Everyone assumes a Ryder Cup captain’s role is about picking players, setting pairings, and making bold calls under pressure. But the real challenge often lies in the finer details: timing, routines, and habits that can quietly influence the team’s rhythm. For U.S. captain Keegan Bradley, one of those small yet significant details involves his star player, Scottie Scheffler, and a routine that could complicate planning behind the scenes.

Scheffler is known for a marathon pre-round warm-up that can stretch between two and a half to three hours. It’s not just extra time on the range but a highly structured process that includes extensive short-game practice, chipping and bunker work from all kinds of lies, and hundreds of shots to perfect every angle. He then moves methodically through his bag, visualizing holes and shaping different shots– fades, draws, and straight balls, while also checking equipment and alignment. On top of that, Scheffler often rehearses likely pin positions and trouble spots he expects to face, making sure no scenario catches him off guard.

That kind of discipline demands time, and Bradley knows it. Recently asked about his approach to the captaincy, he explained, “When you think of the Ryder Cup captain, you think of picking the team. You think of pairings… but really a lot of it is like bus schedules… when the guys are going to get on the bus… What are we going to eat? What is this guy like? What does this guy not like.” Then he admitted the real scheduling puzzle: “Scottie Scheffler’s pre-round warm-up is 2 and 1/2, 3 hours. This guy’s is longer. This guy’s… How are we going to manage that? Little stuff like that is really what makes up a lot of the buildup to the Ryder Cup.”  Managing Scheffler’s routine matters because it’s not just about one player; it affects team transportation, meal timings, and warm-up slots. And there’s history behind Bradley’s concern.  

At the 2023 Ryder Cup, Team USA faced heavy criticism for looking rusty after a five-week break from competition, while Team Europe stayed sharp by playing on the DP World Tour. That lack of rhythm was cited as a major factor in the Americans’ loss.

Determined not to repeat that, Scheffler has already shared what he’s going to do before the 2025 Ryder Cup to maintain form and avoid the mistakes that cost him—and the team—last time.

Scheffler changes schedule and routine to stay sharp for 2025 Ryder Cup

He recently confirmed at the BMW Championship press conference, “My plan as of now is to go play in Napa. Outside of some extenuating circumstances, yeah, I’ll probably be playing in Napa.” By staying active and competing in tournaments leading up to the Ryder Cup, he aims to keep his game sharp and avoid the same kind of rust that affected the team in 2023.

Beyond just playing more, Scheffler is also focusing on how he manages his preparation and schedule leading into the event. Analysts flagged other areas from 2023 that needed improvement, and Scheffler has been making adjustments based on that feedback.

His goal is to go into the Ryder Cup fully ready both mentally and physically so he and his teammates can perform at their best from the first tee. “We’re looking to fix what didn’t work last time and come in strong,” he said, making it clear that learning from the past is a big part of his game plan for 2025.

Scheffler’s routine keeps Bradley alert, but his discipline and experience could be Team USA’s secret weapon. How the captain manages it all could decide their Ryder Cup fate.