The Ryder Cup is as much about honor and legacy as it is about reflecting the sacrifices the golfers made to get to that point. That sentiment came in at the Ryder Cup prep week. Reflecting on the overwhelming experience, Captain Keegan Bradley revealed the team’s biggest priority at Bethpage. Speaking at a press conference, Bradley opened up on the regrets he doesn’t want his team to have. So, what can Scottie Scheffler & co. learn from the captain?

On Monday, Bradley’s squad made its way to the iconic first tee at Bethpage. Needless to say, the electric atmosphere of the stadium left jaws hanging. However, the captain admitted that he was far from taken aback at the reaction. In fact, this was the intended atmosphere of the Ryder Cup that Bradley wanted his team to fully absorb. Bradley told the media, “I wasn’t really surprised; it was a powerful moment. You’re looking around and seeing all the guys staring at what we were doing and so into it in such an emotional way.”

Bradley, who has been among the bustling crowds of the Ryder Cup before, understands how big the moment truly is. It not only represents an opportunity to represent the nation but also underscores the tumultuous journeys everyone went through to reach this stage. That feeling is hard to replicate. And that’s exactly what Bradley doesn’t want his team to miss out on. “Sometimes in your life and in your career, you have to take stock in what’s happening around you. I think one of my biggest regrets earlier in my career wasn’t enjoying things more,” Bradley reflected on his past regrets.

He understands how easy it is to let the pressure of winning wash away the thrill. While the grind is necessary, the Ryder Cup is about more than golf; it’s about life and perspective. As they walked to the first tee, it served as a moment to fully appreciate that feeling. Hence, Bradley ensured that the prep week was as much about practice shots as it was about getting the feel of the stage they were in.

Citing the European captain, Bradley reflected on what makes the experience even more powerful.

“Like Luke said, you never know when your last Ryder Cup is. You never know if you’re going to play one or 10 or whatever,” the US captain added. No wonder, for the players, caddies, and coaches alike, the buzzing first at Bethpage is equal parts exciting and equal parts scary. And fortunately, Scheffler & Co. aren’t missing a beat on the thrill of the Ryder Cup week.

“And for that moment out this morning, guys were really taking that in and enjoying it, and that was a beautiful thing,” Bradley beamed. Fortunately, his squad is not repeating the same mistakes that Bradley made during his Ryder Cup run in 2012 & 2014. His limited appearances as a player add to the sting. Despite that, Bradley has a decorated Ryder Cup resume with a 3-0 record alongside Phil Mickelson in his debut. Even though Bradley was overlooked in the following Ryder Cups, and controversially so in 2023, the US captain is now on the outside looking in at the bigger picture.

The feeling is profound and scary, being Bradley’s first run as a captain. However, it appears the lessons from his career have shaped the way he absorbs this experience. And with Bradley leading the scene, his squad will savor the stage just as much.

But it’s not just Captain Keegan Bradley who is prioritizing the feel of the Ryder Cup, especially for the rookies.

Keegan Bradley’s lessons on pressure echo across the US Team

No one feels the nerves of the Ryder Cup as much as the rookies. Being their first time teeing it up at the Ryder Cup is an overwhelming experience to say the least. From pressure and anxiety to the spine-chilling crowds at Bethpage, Ben Griffin, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, and Cameron Young are in for a ride. But the support from the US team might be exactly what helps them navigate this first-time experience.

While the lead-in to the Ryder Cup included practice sessions for the rookies, it emphasized the mindset, too. The Napa training camp included dinners, practice, and mentoring from Bradley, the vice captains, and veterans. The leadership team, well-versed in the Ryder Cup challenges, especially in New York, shared more than words of encouragement. Reflecting on his experience, vice-captain Gary Woodland emphasized the enormity of the experience and the electric atmosphere.

“I’ll tell the rookies to embrace the energy of the crowd and to feed off it. Also, it will be important to take a second and take a deep breath especially before swinging to help slow their heart rate down. It will be high energy all around and will be important to use that to our advantage,” Woodland advised the rookies. Then vice-captain Webb Simpson urged the rookies to fully soak in the experience. “I’d tell them to soak it in. Focus, yes. But really soak it in and look around and just be thankful that you’re on this team.”

With Keegan Bradley and his leadership squad setting the tone, his roster is learning not just to compete, but to embrace every electrifying moment of their Ryder Cup debut, whether that’s through training camps or lead-up walks to Bethpage.