NAPA, Calif. – Patrick Cantlay didn’t hit balls next to players. He hit over them.

Don’t worry. He’s a pro. But there he adn his personal team where late Monday afternoon, posted up in the last spot on the left side of the range, just feet from a fence – and about 25 yards behind a few pros to his right. A member of his team said he was trying to create an angle for his driver.

Cantlay was in full grind mode. by all accounts, he was all in. The next morning, Cantlay and nine of his U.S. Ryder Cup teammates played a nine-hole practice round ahead of the PGA tour’s Procore Championship. Wednesday, thay played a nine-hole pro-am. Thursday and Friday, they played the opening rounds, and Saturday and Sunday, they’ll hope to win. All of it’s been planned to prep the Americans for the Ryder Cup in two weeks at Bethpage Black – or at least to prep them better than they were two years ago. then, just three of 12 Americans played in the two-week lead-up, compared to all dozen of their European counterparts, and the Euros rolled, 16.5-11.5.

Has the week here been working? to a man, the answer’s been an unequivocal, deep-throated hell yes. Then again, no one will fully know untill Sunday night at Bethpage.

And that raises this question:

Is there a drawback to playing this week?

This isn’t meant to dampen your American pride,or to be a Doubting (Justin) Thomas,so to say. But golf is being played at the Silverado Resort’s North Course. There’ll be good shots. there’ll be duds. They could stink, you know.

But the line from about the end of the last Ryder Cup to this week’s Procore is that reps matter most. Or, put another way, they’re better than inactivity.Two years ago, nine of the Americans played in the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship that ended on Aug. 27,then didn’t play competitively until the start of the Ryder Cup on Sept. 29.

This year’s team members talked Napa early on. Captain Keegan Bradley made it a priority. And here they are.

Said Scottie Scheffler

Did rest hurt the U.S. Ryder Cup team? Examining the pre-competition prep

The U.S. team’s Ryder Cup defeat at the hands of Europe has sparked debate about preparation strategies, specifically regarding rest versus competitive play leading up to the event. Comments from both Brian Harman and Zach Johnson prior to and following the competition shed light on the team’s approach and raise questions about its effectiveness.

In the weeks before the Ryder Cup, Brian Harman emphasized the importance of rest and recovery. Coming off a physically demanding season culminating in the Tour Championship, he described a period of “resting up” and “grinding” on his game, acknowledging the toll the season takes on players’ bodies. He also highlighted the unique pressure of representing a team, stating a desire to be fully prepared for his teammates without overdoing it.

Then-captain Zach Johnson echoed the sentiment about rest in the post-Ryder Cup press conference. He defended the team’s preparation, pointing out that many accomplished golfers, himself included, have performed well with weeks off. Johnson maintained that the team had adequate “prep time” and that the schedule was beyond their control, focusing rather on controlling their own preparation. he did, however, allow for the possibility of future adjustments to the plan.

The contrasting perspectives – Harman’s focus on balancing rest and focused practice, and Johnson’s defense of the rest-based approach – underscore the challenge of optimal Ryder Cup preparation. While rest is undoubtedly crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining peak physical condition, the question remains whether the U.S. team sacrificed valuable competitive sharpness by prioritizing recovery over tournament play in the crucial weeks leading up to the competition. Johnson’s willingness to “reflect” on the plan suggests he, too, is considering this possibility.

Ryder Cup Early Look: Hughes Leads, Rookies Shine, and struggles Emerge

The first round of the Ryder Cup is in the books, and already, storylines are developing. Mackenzie Hughes leads the pack with an remarkable 63, but the day wasn’t without its surprises – both good and bad. Let’s break down the key takeaways from Thursday’s play.

Hughes Sets the Pace

Mackenzie Hughes fired a stellar 63 to take the lead after the first round. His performance instantly puts pressure on the rest of the field and establishes him as a player to watch throughout the weekend. He’ll be looking to maintain this momentum as the competition heats up.

Rookies Make a Statement

A promising sign for both teams: the three lowest scores among the Ryder Cup rookies were impressive. This suggests the newcomers aren’t intimidated by the stage and are ready to contribute. This early performance could be a meaningful boost for team morale.

mixed Bag for Established Stars

While the rookies shone, some established players had a tougher day. There were missed putts, puzzling performances, and outright struggles. Justin thomas and Jordan Spieth, for example, didn’t quite live up to expectations. Thomas, paired with Griffin, shot a 72, while Spieth also carded a 72.

Notable Pairings and Scores

• Hughes: 63 (Leader)
• Griffin & Thomas: 64 (tied for Second)
• Young & Thomas: 72
• Spieth: 72

The pairing of Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa showed promise with a 64, placing them in contention. However, the individual 72s from Thomas and Spieth highlight the inconsistency some key players are facing.

What This Means for the Ryder Cup

The first round has laid the groundwork for a perhaps thrilling Ryder Cup. Hughes’ strong start creates immediate pressure, while the rookie performances offer a glimmer of hope for both teams. The struggles of some established stars suggest that this competition will be far from predictable.

Published: 2025/09/12 08:30:18