As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, Team USA captain Keegan Bradley has outlined a significant step many American players are taking in preparation for the event. Most members of the team are expected to compete in the Procore Championship, a PGA Tour tournament held in Napa, California, just weeks ahead of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.
Bradley emphasized that participation in the event is entirely voluntary and driven by the players themselves.
“No one is required to go,” Bradley explained. “The guys feel like this is the best course of action to be ready to play at their highest level at Bethpage… I think the guys want to feel ready to go at Bethpage and they feel this is the best way to do it.”
The Procore Championship, scheduled from September 11–14 at the Silverado Resort, is currently the only official PGA Tour event taking place between the Tour Championship and the Ryder Cup. Given that timing, it has become the de facto final tune-up before Team USA heads into competition from September 26–28.
Bradley also confirmed that if he were playing, he would personally participate in Napa as well.
This shift in preparation strategy stems from Team USA’s underwhelming start at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. That year, most American players took nearly a month off after the Tour Championship. Only Justin Thomas, Max Homa, and then-captain Zach Johnson competed in Napa before the event. In contrast, Team Europe played in the BMW PGA Championship and arrived in Rome sharp and ready, going on to win decisively.
By actively competing in Napa, Team USA hopes to avoid a similar fate and build momentum heading into one of golf’s most prestigious events.
🚨🇺🇸🏆 #NEW: U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley says most members of his team will tee it up at the Procore Championship in Napa as additional prep. @KeegsArmy
“No one is required to go. The boys feel like this is the best course of action to be ready to play at their… pic.twitter.com/PHB0vbBcZ3
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 6, 2025
Keegan Bradley named captain of 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team
A seasoned competitor with eight PGA Tour victories, Keegan Bradley brings both experience and passion to his new role. He previously represented the U.S. in the Ryder Cup in 2012 and 2014, earning a 4–3–0 record, and in the 2013 Presidents Cup, where he finished 2–2–1. However, this marks his first time serving as a captain or assistant captain in either event.
Speaking to the PGA Tour website following his appointment, Bradley expressed his deep appreciation for the honor:
“I am incredibly honored to accept this opportunity to captain the United States Team at the 2025 Ryder Cup. I would like to thank the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for their trust in me as we embark on this journey to Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.”
He added:
“My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particularly special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators.”
Bradley’s captaincy comes after a controversial omission in 2023 when, despite finishing 11th in Ryder Cup points, he was not selected for the team. His exclusion—while players like Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth were picked—sparked discussion among fans and analysts. Now, he’ll look to guide a motivated American squad to success on home soil.
