Scottie Scheffler has admitted he finds it “really weird” that earlier United States groups have gone into Ryder Cups with out taking part in event golf for a number of weeks.
In a change of protocol from earlier years, Scheffler and 9 of his 11 USA team-mates performed over the weekend on the Procore Championship, with the world No 1 rising victorious in California.
Forward of the final Ryder Cup, when Europe claimed a dominant victory in Rome in 2023, solely two members of that US group – Justin Thomas and Max Homa – performed within the ultimate PGA Tour occasion earlier than the well-known group competitors.
Scheffler believes the change of strategy, inspired by captain Keegan Bradley, has put the house aspect in a stronger place to win again the trophy when the Ryder Cup takes place in New York from September 26-28, reside on Sky Sports activities.
“When I look at my experience from the last few team events, it’s weird to have such a long break after the season ends to one of our biggest events being either the Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup,” Scheffler mentioned after claiming his sixth win of the 2025 season.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights of day 4 from the Procure Championship at Silverado Resort’s North Course
“These are large for us as Individuals and one thing we take plenty of satisfaction in. I discover it actually bizarre there’s 4 or 5 weeks between the top of our season and an enormous group occasion.
“So, staying sharp is one thing that is at all times necessary to me, however you will need to additionally get relaxation on the finish of every season. I imply, taking part in event golf out right here for a complete yr, being in competition, it takes lots out of you bodily and mentally.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Donald seems forward to the Ryder Cup and discusses the problem going through Group Europe in New York
“So, there is a balance between rest and getting ready for the team events, but going into this Ryder Cup I felt like, for our preparation, this was something we needed to do – to come here and play this week.
“I feel we’re all feeling very ready to enter Bethpage and excited to get that week began.”
Group Europe model ‘Bethpage scouting journey was floated’
Partly as a result of DP World Tour schedule, European gamers have tended to seek out it simple to compete within the weeks constructing as much as a Ryder Cup.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Rory McIlroy ‘loves’ the group Donald has assembled for the Ryder Cup and believes Group Europe ‘have an exquisite alternative’ at Bethpage Black
This time round, all however certainly one of Luke Donald’s 12-strong aspect performed within the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, which ran similtaneously the Procore Championship.
Donald’s squad and employees headed straight to New York after the event on Sunday night time for a scouting journey of their very own at Bethpage Black, which Scheffler revealed the US group had additionally thought of doing.
“It was something we discussed at the beginning of the year. We floated the idea of doing a scouting trip to Bethpage or coming here and playing this event,” Scheffler mentioned.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Talking as strategic advisor to Group Europe, Paul McGinley explains the choice to fly all 12 European gamers to New York every week prematurely of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage
“We felt it would be a little bit more valuable to get all the guys together here this week to play tournament golf in order to stay in shape.
“For me there’s only a distinction between practising and taking part in at residence and getting beneath the gun in a event.
Scottie Scheffler will make a 3rd consecutive Ryder Cup look for Group USA
“Especially going into a team event where you play formats that you’re not totally used to with it being match play on Sunday and playing a best ball and an alternate shot. It’s a little bit of a different format than we’re used to, so I think it’s even more important to stay sharp going into a tournament like that.”
Bradley was in attendance in California and, other than Xander Schauffele, who lately turned a father, was in a position to get all of his gamers – together with Bryson DeChambeau – collectively forward of the event for a dinner.
“It was definitely good prep,” Scheffler added. “It was good to get all the blokes collectively. We had some enjoyable at first of the week, performed our observe rounds collectively.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Group Europe made a ‘scouting mission’ to Bethpage Black forward of the Ryder Cup
“Once the tournament starts it’s pretty much business as usual for us, but overall it was a great week. We could all hang out and stay sharp.”
What’s subsequent?
There shall be prolonged reside protection from daily of Ryder Cup week, beginning on Monday September 22, the place Group Europe look to regain the trophy with a historic away win in the USA.
Round the clock protection of the opening day’s play will start with reside build-up from 9am on Friday September 26, forward of full protection from noon. Not acquired Sky? Get Sky Sports activities or stream with no contract on NOW.
