With the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black fast approaching, Team USA is showing strong form at the Procore Championship—even without LIV rebel Bryson DeChambeau in the field.
Keegan Bradley’s side will take on Team Europe at the end of September, and several of his players are using this week’s tournament as the perfect warm-up. Among them is Russell Henley, who is preparing for his Ryder Cup debut.
Henley has impressed at Silverado Resort’s North Course, sitting tied for second on 11-under-par alongside Jackson Koivun, just three shots behind leader Ben Griffin. The 36-year-old admitted his focus is not only on the title chase, but also on sharpening his game for one of golf’s biggest stages.
“I think it’s good to just get the body moving and get that intense focus like the tournament gives you,” Henley said. “It’s tough to simulate that at home, so the PT work, practice, and hanging with the guys all helps. I’m rooting for everyone to get their game where they want it going into the Ryder Cup.”
The PGA Tour revealed just how sharp the Americans are looking: the 10 Ryder Cup players in the Procore field have already combined for 98 birdies and an eagle (Patrick Cantlay, No. 18, Round 2). Remarkably, Griffin and J.J. Spaun are both bogey-free through 36 holes.
Bradley’s squad features six automatic qualifiers—World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Harris English, DeChambeau, Spaun, and Henley—plus six captain’s picks: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young, Sam Burns, Cantlay, and Griffin.
Bradley, despite his own strong season, decided against selecting himself, ending hopes of a rare playing captain. The last time that happened was 62 years ago.
For Henley, though, it’s all about embracing the Ryder Cup atmosphere. “I’ve just heard it’s much different, especially being a home game,” he said. “It’s going to be really loud, and I can’t wait.”
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