The Ryder Cup is just a few days away, and preparations are in full swing. While Team Europe is sharpening its edge at the BMW PGA Championship, the American boys are testing themselves in Napa Valley. But the LIV-PGA Tour rivalry’s bitter aftertaste still hangs over it, continuing to sour the mood, as LIV players remain sidelined. This didn’t stop Bryson DeChambeau from showing up in Napa, though, and for that, Ryder Cup friend Collin Morikawa has given him some credit for it.

Morikawa, speaking at the pre-tournament press conference of the Procore Championship, acknowledged DeChambeau’s commitment to the team. “He’s made efforts to come out to other meetings and other dinners as well. It shows that he just cares. Like I said, I think this whole individual aspect, we’ve all thrown that out the window, and we will all do what it takes to be with the team.” DeChambeau, of course, can’t tee it up at the Procore. As a LIV golfer, he’s barred from the field, making him the only Ryder Cup player who wants to participate but is not allowed to. The only other US player missing is Xander Schauffele, but his reason is very different — he just became a father.

What’s important to know is that this event holds weight. Captain Keegan Bradley has been adamant that if you’re able to play, you should. Scottie Scheffler echoed that sentiment and even entered the field as a debutant. He pointed back to Rome in 2023, where he felt too much downtime before the Cup left him underprepared. Yet, despite all that emphasis, DeChambeau remains shut out.

And it isn’t for lack of trying. As Morikawa noted, DeChambeau made a genuine push to join the team and even sought LIV’s permission to free up time for practice. But his request, as expected, was denied, because under current rules LIV golfers are barred from competing in PGA Tour events after being suspended once they joined the rival league. A frustrated DeChambeau then didn’t hide his feelings. “It’s on them if they don’t let us become together as a team and play. It’s a scenario that’s unfortunate, and I wish it were different.”

Keegan Bradley himself admitted disappointment with the decision. For him, the Ryder Cup “transcends” all divides, but as he put it, “It’s out of my control.” For Bryson DeChambeau, just making the team was already a battle. As a LIV golfer, the only way he could earn Ryder Cup points was through the majors. Despite that challenge, he delivered—finishing T5 at the Masters, T2 at the PGA Championship, and T10 at the Open, though he did miss the cut at the US Open. Those results were enough to secure automatic qualification.

That presence has already mattered. “So to have him there yesterday, being around the team, hanging out like they’re all positives for us,” Collin Morikawa said. “The more we can all be together…the closer we’re going to be and the more comfortable we’re going to be.” Unlike many PGA Tour peers, Morikawa has kept a neutral stance on LIV players. “I’ve never had an issue with it. Everyone makes their own decision,” he once explained. That openness has allowed for smoother integration. “It’s been pretty seamless…There hasn’t been any awkwardness around anyone.” And on DeChambeau specifically, Morikawa is firm: “We need him to go out and put points on the board.”

Brooks Koepka’s path tells a similar story. Also a LIV member, his points could only come through the majors. He proved the system works in 2023 by winning the PGA Championship. When he narrowly missed automatic qualification, captain Zach Johnson added him as a pick. With the PGA of America reaffirming LIV golfers’ eligibility, Koepka showed that either strong major performances or captain’s picks keep LIV players firmly in the Ryder Cup conversation.

Taken together, these examples suggest that LIV golfers still have a path to the Ryder Cup—and DeChambeau may already have taken his first step toward showing why that matters.

Bryson DeChambeau promises a ‘tsunami’

Bryson DeChambeau has sent a clear warning to Europe ahead of the Ryder Cup: they won’t be fully prepared for what’s coming at Bethpage Black. After European captain Luke Donald finalized his six picks, DeChambeau said, “Whatever expectation they should have, they should double it. I don’t think they’re ready for it.” He went on to promise a “tsunami” of fan support, a signal of how passionate the American crowd could get.

But the 2-time major’s focus isn’t just on hype; he is indeed fully committed to building team cohesion. Speaking about the Napa trip, he said, “Being the best team we possibly can be. It’s not about any one of us, but all of us together.” DeChambeau is focused on giving his individual best, but that should bring all of them together as one unit. This has, of course, impressed Captain Bradley.

Keegan Bradley can’t help but praise DeChambeau’s dedication. He called him “rabid in his  rabid in his ravenous hunt for success at The Ryder Cup.” DeChambeau’s versatility makes it easy for the captain to pair him with anyone. Last time the Californian was on the team, he played two four-ball matches with Scottie Scheffler. He won one of them and tied for another before beating Sergio Garcia in singles. For Bradley, all of this makes DeChamebau “one of the best golfers on the planet.” “Whether he’s on LIV, whatever tour he plays, it doesn’t matter on that first tee at Bethpage Black,” said Captain America.

DeChambeau’s preparation, intensity, and team-first mindset make it clear that he is ready to deliver for the US.