Keegan Bradley modelled the complete range of United States Ryder Cup togs this week. Control for the team’s preparations at the Silverado Resort North Course were clearly taken by the … The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as players engaged in practice rounds, strategizing for the upcoming Ryder Cup. As captain, Bradley is making it clear that their approach will begin and end with team chemistry and collective preparation. So he’s hopeful and full of praise for the progress the team has made.
Bradley was supremely confident in Scottie Scheffler. He continued to stress that the team is only a few weeks away from having the pairings set, stating, “We are 90 percent close to knowing the pairings for the Ryder Cup.” This marks a significant point in the lead-up to the tournament, which will test the players’ abilities in alternate shot formats.
Bradley’s vision involves instilling a feeling of togetherness on and off the field among the players. He hosted a team dinner and was hands on with them from start to finish of the course. Joined by then-assistant captain Jim Furyk and team manager John Wood, these players walked the grounds with data specialists. They created competition and designed training experiences that engaged players and paired them for practice matches that replicated match-play situations.
Bradley has known teammate Collin Morikawa for 15 years, providing unique perspective on and depth to the relationships and dynamics within this team. Additionally, he did take one big risk when he picked Gary Woodland. This choice captured headlines and demonstrated his intent to ruffle feathers, in contrast to approaches clearly taken by previous captains such as Zach Johnson in 2023.
Bradley talked about how important his idiosyncratic style has been. He’s confident he was picked for this role to bring the noise and the funk inside the staid U.S. Ryder Cup establishment. He said he was surprised to have been named captain, a decision that surprised many.
The players have responded in a big way to Bradley’s tough-love dad leadership approach. Woodland said, “I’ve known Keegan for 15 years. We’ve been around each other a lot. I’ve never seen him like this,” she continued, saying that Bradley has been more candid and personable than ever during this pre-speaker’s tour time. Morikawa agreed, zeroing in on Bradley’s open-mindedness that saw him not only hear the players out, but change his approach as a result.
“He’s opened up so much. You could tell how much it means to him.” – Gary Woodland
Preparation, to Bradley, is more than the logistics. He’s very intentional about creating an environment where players don’t just feel safe but they feel connected and valued. “This Ryder Cup means everything to them. He mentioned that we always talk off camera about how much this all means to us. They are willing to go the extra mile and spend the effort to be fully prepared.
Even while playing practice rounds, Bradley was the picture of optimism and good cheer. He was so committed to lifting his teammates’ spirits that he even made jokes about making shots in the hole. This has a much higher probability of sinking than going in that back right bunker,” he quipped during the practice round.
While the U.S. team prepares to face Europe at the Ryder Cup, Bradley knows that winning starts with fostering a nurturing environment. Personally, he’s convinced that the players who lead the charge will forge the most powerful connection. We hope this connection serves them well as they go into the competition.
“Keegan’s been very open to talking to a lot of us, a lot of players just asking what can he do for us to make the Ryder Cup week that much easier.” – Collin Morikawa
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