“Tournament golf is just different.” It appears Colin Morikawa‘s words are finally ringing a bell inside the American team. After a heavy defeat in 2023, 16½ to 11½ to Europe, the media started debating what went wrong for the US Team. Accusations about leadership decisions were brought up. However, weeks before Bethpage this year, the US team is finally doing it right, as Morikawa shared. Let’s take a look at what Captain Keegan Bradley has done to receive the praise he’s getting.

Right before the Procore Championship, almost the entire Ryder Cup US Team is at Napa Valley. All teeing off from the Silverado Resort’s North Course, Morikawa commented on Bradley’s decision, “It’s great to have pretty much everyone here this week.” Procore serves as a key warm-up, helping the players get in line with their Ryder Cup buddies. That stands in sharp contrast with the four weeks off back in 2023. “I know for myself I didn’t feel like I was as prepared a couple of years ago, even though I put a lot of work in those four weeks,” Morikawa told the media.

This year, Team USA has finally overcome its struggles with unity, thanks to Keegan Bradley. “A lot of great vibes throughout the meetings and the dinners we’ve had. That’s what you ask for. I think we’re all very close,” Morikawa said, crediting years of familiarity and shared growth. The Procore Championship, he added, is just another way to strengthen that bond. Morikawa highlighted how roster selection has also played a key role. “I mean, more than half of these guys on the team I’ve known for over 10 years, so it’s that much more comfortable, and I think a lot of us have been fairly close.” That chemistry, he noted, could make the difference in formats like alternate shots.

Above all, Morikawa praised Bradley’s leadership. “Keegan’s been very open to talking to a lot of us, a lot of players just asking what he can do for us to make the week that much easier,” he shared. “He’s been open to hearing every suggestion possible from all of us to say how do we make it as normal as can be and go out there and do what we need to do to put points on the board.”

For Bradley, it’s all about comfort and performance. Left out of the last edition, he has embraced a selfless, team-first approach as captain.

Moreover, Bradley didn’t shy away from ruling himself out as a playing captain. Despite being in a position to count himself in, Bradley prioritized team success over personal ambition. Ever since Bradley has poured into the team, bringing it closer and fostering intimate friendships among the players. The Ryder Cup captain quipped, “These guys, they really care about one another, they treat each other with respect. It’s the closest team I’ve ever seen.”

While 2023 stumbled with a lack of preparation time for the players and weak team cohesion, 2025 has flipped the script. This edition is riding high on strong bonds and long-standing relationships. Alongside a coordinated lead-in at the Procore, the US team is ready to clear the fields at Bethpage. On top of that, an open dialogue between the players and the captain has kept the team glued together. It seems Team US is finally ready to challenge the European squad in a blistering showdown of technique and power.

Keegan Bradley’s squad is preparing for a fiery battle at Bethpage

The entire team is hot on its heels, making essential changes and warming their clubs before the Ryder Cup. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, hands down the best on the team, is especially fired up to bring national glory to his country. In the last edition, Scheffler suffered a crushing winless run, going 0-2-2 across foursomes and singles. At Napa Valley, Scheffler is seeking redemption. Although he’s making his tournament debut at the Silverado Resort’s North Course, Scheffler is getting in form and building team chemistry. “Going into this Cup, I’ve put a lot of work into my game over the last couple of years, to get ready and to play this event,” Scheffler added.

Apart from Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, too, is sharpening his precision and course management ahead of Bethpage. Despite a winless season, Morikawa is intent on putting on his best performance, focusing on driving accuracy and approach shots. He’s fine-tuning every tee-to-green decision to maximize scoring opportunities in match play. By prioritizing consistency over distance, Morikawa is helping Team USA stay strategically sharp under Ryder Cup pressure. Commenting on Keegan Bradley’s influence, he added, “He’s done a lot for us to bring us all together and to do what we need to do to go out there and try and be our best.” 

With focused preparation and strong leadership, Team USA is ready to rise at Bethpage. Scheffler, Morikawa, and the squad aim to turn past setbacks into victory.