LIVE | Press Conference | U.S. Team | Sep 23 | 2025 Ryder Cup

Watch the U.S. Team’s press conference as they prepare for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Patrick Cantlay, J.J. Spaun, and Justin Thomas take the stage on Tuesday morning to share their thoughts ahead of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

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Every two years, 24 of the best players from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in match play competition. The European Team are the reigning champions after winning at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in 2023. Drama, tension, incredible golf, camaraderie and sportsmanship are served in equal measure, captivating an audience of millions around the world. It’s an event that transcends sport, yet remains true to the spirit of its founder, Samuel Ryder. The 2025 Ryder Cup is set to take place at Bethpage Black in New York.

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two years ago in Rome. Not just what what the motivation for here, but what it’s been through the the last two years. Uh I don’t know if motivation’s really the right word. I think you can learn from, you know, your wins and your losses. And I’ve had some some nice wins out here. And I’ve had some some tough losses as well. And um I think you can always learn from those experiences. And I think that would be the best way that I can describe it is how much I learned from the experience in Rome. how much I learned from the experience at Whistling Straits. And um I feel like I’m you know I have a large bank of knowledge over the course of my career that I can use to my advantage especially when when things get tough. And um you know I don’t think it could be understated how difficult of a week Rome was for us. You know I think we could have done better for sure. That that wasn’t how I expected the week to go and you know I think we learned from it and um you know we’re we’re as prepared as ever this time. Mark on two please. Hey, Scotty. Um, you don’t see Bryson around that often, obviously, other than the majors. Uh, I’m just kind of curious what your take is on him as a as a teammate and uh and how explosive he can be for your team this week. Yeah, I mean, I think Bryson, he’s a tremendous competitor. He’s he’s a great partner as well. I I partnered with him in in 2021 at Whistling Straits and he was a tremendous guy to be out there on the golf course with. He’s a he’s a great guy. He’s a good friend and um you know, he’s been he’s been great in our team room. Like you said, he he brings a lot of energy. um the people love him and I think he he he loves the opportunity to be able to represent his country. You know, he means a multiple time US Open winner and yeah, you know, that means means a lot to him and um being an American I think means a lot to him as well and I’m excited to kind of unleash him this week. Just one quick follow unrelated uh nobody knows Sam Burns as well as you do. What makes him such a good putter? Is it technique? Is it belief? What is it about him? Well, he’s got he’s got really sound technique. I mean, his fundamentals are really good. He works on them daily. But Sam, I think, does a good job of being free over a putt as anybody I’ve ever seen. I mean, I’ve I’ve talked to him about the way he reads greens and, you know, he does his aimoint stuff, but it’s almost not even like he doesn’t do aim point like everybody else does aim point. He kind of gets an idea and then he just does what he thinks he should and he does it time and time and time again. And um his consistency with a putter is I mean, it’s pretty amazing because you get guys that’ll have really good putting years and they’ll be up on top of the list, but Sam year in year out is right up on top. to Doug on six. Scotty, should the um should the expectations of you be any different than any other player on the team? And whatever your answer is, if you could elaborate as much as you can, I would really appreciate it. Um should the expectations of me be different than any other player? I mean, I don’t really think about that kind of stuff. I mean, if that’s something that you want to write about, then more power to you. Um, I don’t I don’t think I have any I don’t think about expectations. I don’t that I don’t bother with that kind of stuff because it’s unimportant to me. I what I focus on when I show up to tournaments is my preparation and I have prepared for this tournament. I’m ready to go out and compete. When I step up there on Friday, I can tell myself on the first two that I did every last little thing that I could in order to play well and it’s time to go do what I love to do and that’s compete and have fun. And um you know I’m excited to be able to play in front of a home crowd, but I truly don’t think about expectations or anything like that. It’s uh that’s a wasted space in my brain. We’re here on Mike 7. Scotty, you’re going to have a ton of home support obviously here this week, including from the president of the United States. He’s going to be making a visit. How do you think it feels for you and the guys to have him here? Yeah, I think our team as a whole is very we’re very proud to be Americans. I think the the flag means a lot to us and um being here in New York um I think is very special as well and to have the president here is um you know I think it’s been it’s been a tough few weeks for our country with some of the stuff that’s been going on and um you know to have our president here and for us to be able to represent the United States of America albeit in a golf tournament is extremely important to us and we’re excited to to be here on home soil with a home crowd and um we’re ready to to get this tournament started. Alex Miselli here. Hey Scotty, could you talk about when Tiger was on these teams, it was always hard for the captain to pair somebody with him because he was the world number one. Everybody looked up to him. I’m suggesting maybe that in some ways that’s where you fall this year in this team. Have you thought about the difficulty of pairing somebody with you and how you might want to react because you are the world number one and because you are the guy that people are going to look up to? You know, I think on our team I think we have we have 12 guys that are all equal. I don’t think one player is more important than another. And um I think that is something that is through our team room and I’d like to think that I’m not difficult to pair with people. I like to think myself as a nice guy and someone that’s easy to get along with. And um I’ve had different partners over the years and have had some success and um I would definitely not not put myself in that category. I think maybe some of the difficulty you have of playing with Tiger. Um I mean I don’t even know what it could be. It could it could just be the the aura that was Tiger Woods. I mean there was some times there where he was doing nothing but winning golf tournaments and just beating the absolute crap out of people time and time again. And um I couldn’t tell you what was difficult for those partners because I wasn’t there. Um, for me, I’d like to think I’m an easy guy to pair with. Um, so so you don’t think there’s an aura of being Scotty Sheffler? Not really. I don’t have much to elaborate on that. You know, it’s uh, yeah, up to Ian on 19. Scotty, you you raised quite a few eyebrows with your comments at the Open Championship in terms of what golf overall means to you as a as an individual and how quickly you move on from the triumphs. I just wonder if that dynamic is altered in any way when you’re playing for your country as you are at a Ryder Cup. Yeah, I think what what I was trying to say at the Open Championship is that immediately after a tournament ends, there’s this like euphoric feeling of actually winning the golf tournament, but it just doesn’t really last that long. I have a deep sense of satisfaction and pride in what I’ve been able to accomplish in this game. You know, this game means a lot to me. I I never even really liked the saying, you know, it’s just a game because I mean, for the amount of work it takes for me to come out here and play golf, this is a lot more than just a game to me. This is something that’s very important to me. This is essentially my life’s work right now. You know, this is this is what I spend. If I’m not with my family, I’m thinking about golf. I’m thinking about how to get better. I’m I wish that I could turn my brain off to something else. And sometimes when you get home, I have to find new hobbies or new things to become obsessed with because if not, I’m just going to be thinking about golf literally all the time. And so when it comes to playing for team and playing for country, I don’t really have to change much because I think my passion for the game of golf runs so deep. My passion for my country runs so deep that when it comes to these team events, it’s just another way to continue to be motivated to work hard, to want to get the most out of myself, and to to be a good friend and be a good teammate to the guys on this team because um the Ryder Cup is it’s a really special event and it’s something that we’re very excited for and um like I said, we take a lot of pride in being Americans and um we’re excited to to play for our country this week and um play in front of a home crowd. And could I just follow up on that? Obviously, this is the first time that the American players are receiving the the stipend to go with the charitable uh giving. What what’s your stance on on on that particular issue? Um on that particular issue, yeah, in well, in terms of are you keeping the stipend, is it going to charity? What what are you doing there? Um I don’t know if we’ve met before, but I’m my wife and I we like to do a lot of stuff in our local community, and I’ve never been one to announce what we do. Um, I don’t like to give charitable dollars for some sort of recognition and we have something planned for the money that we’ll be receiving and um, you know, I think it’s a really cool thing that the PJ of America has empowered us to do. You know, I have a deep passion for the city of Dallas. I have a deep passion for the organizations that that we support at home and I’m excited to be able to take this money and be able to do some good in our local community. Let’s go over to Rex on five. Got it. Just before Rome, you started working with Phil Kenyan. How would you characterize how comfortable you are with the work that you two are doing now versus then? How would I characterize it? Um, I feel like when we were in Rome, I mean, I yeah, when we were in Rome, I had only been working with Phil for a few weeks. I had called him after the uh after the tour championship and we had started working on some stuff and um it was really I think fresh then where now we have a body of work of you know basically two years of trial and error and have some results to look back on and kind of see the progress that we’ve made and um I think just in a really comfortable position with where my game’s at. you know, Phil has been tremendous for me. Um, keeping things simple, keeping my mind clear, and I just have so much confidence in what we’re working on. Whereas, I think two years ago in Rome, the relationship was just so fresh. You’re almost kind of testing things out, if that, if that makes sense, just because Phil was really the first coach that I’ve ever I’d ever seen outside of outside of Randy. Over here on Mike 8, please. Hi, Scotty. Uh, when the president went to the Yankees recently, he actually went into the clubhouse and addressed the players. I just wondered if you had any plans to have or if you have or have any plans for meet him before or with. Um I personally don’t have any plans. Um you know, the president’s kind of funny. He he he loves the game of golf. He loves supporting um supporting golfers and I get a call or a text from him sometimes after wins and um he just loves the game of golf and he’s one of those guys when you’re around him um you know, he does such a good job of like almost like feeding confidence into everybody around him. That was one of the things I noticed a lot with the the little bit of time I spent him is um he treats everybody the same and treats people with the utmost respect. And um whether you’re the person serving us lunch or the caddy on the golf course or the guy who’s the president of the club that we’re at, he treats everybody like they’re the greatest person in the world. And um I don’t think he has any plans to address us as a team, but um I’m sure if things go well, we’ll hear from him this week. Are you able to give us any insight into what he says when you when he calls you? Great job. We got time for one more quick one. We’ll go right here. Mike 13, please. Scotty, I’m sure you’re relatively satisfied with your career since Rome, but what do you remember particularly about that game against Victor and Ludvig? And do you do you take a layer of scar tissue from that? Is there a score to be settled? I mean, what would be your memories of that day in particular? Um, I think satisfied is also a very dangerous word to use when you’re talking about your career in the game of golf. Um, I would say even after tournaments that I win, I think satisfaction is something that doesn’t really creep into my mind. Uh, I’m a perfectionist at heart and um, I think that’s what’s so great about the game of golf. That’s what I love about it is there’s literally always something that you can improve on and so that’s what I focus on day in day out. There’s always little things that we’re working on, little things that I’m trying to improve. And in terms of the the match with um Victor and Levig, do I carry anything from it? No. I mean, I lost a point. It was a tough day. Um came back the next day, played my best, ended up having a having a match with Rom and um we ended up losing the cup. And like I said, there’s always things you can learn from those experiences. And I I don’t use them. I think motivation is a weird word to use. I think satisfaction is definitely a dangerous word to use in terms of golf. And um I have my motivation has always been internal and um you know like I said I love being able to practice and play and you’re always trying to work on something in the game of golf and it’s like a it’s like a puzzle that can never be solved and um I think that’s what excites me. That’s what excites me about coming to these weeks and um you know like I said I’m just excited for the week to get started. Is there a part of you though that would quite like to draw them again? Um I’m really excited to play whoever I’m going to be going up against. It’s going to be a fun week. You know, like I said, we’re playing in front of a home crowd. There’s there’s nothing better than this type of competition where you’re out there with your partner, you’re playing for your country, you’re playing for your team, and um these are the weeks that when you look back on your career, these are the weeks so far that that I remember the most. I have some of my best memories of my whole life playing these tournaments. And um like I said, I’m just excited for Friday to get started. Thanks for your time, Scotty. We appreciate it. Thanks, y’all. All good. AC Xander Schoffley joins us now at the 2025 RDER Cup. Xander, welcome to your third RDER Cup. We’re going to go ahead and jump right into questions. Anybody? Go ahead, Ann. Hey, Xander. How are you? I’m doing great. Good. Good. With the rookies on the US team, can you talk about what you will bring to them? Maybe some advice or wisdom from your two previous Ryder Cups? Yeah, it’s sort of um once you get to that first TE, it’s kind of hard to prepare yourself for what’s to come and um I’m just trying to get some advice from them. They’ve been they’ve been kicking my ass all year and um playing unbelievable golf. So, I think that that goes for all our rookies on this team and uh try and just honestly make them feel as comfortable as possible as quickly as possible in the locker room, at dinners, on the bus. Um just talking to them if they have any questions. um try to help him, try to help him, but they are very accomplished and uh I’m not too worried about them. Up to Mike Nine, please. Kind of in that same vein, in the conversations with you, even with Justin Thomas, you guys have both been here several times. What have those conversations been like? What what’s maybe the most unique thing you’ve been asked as far as advice goes coming into a a competition like this for some of the guys who haven’t been here before? Uh, I mean, they’ll, you know, JJ yesterday was sort of asking, uh, you know, how, you know, how I felt year to year playing in these and and I was happy to tell him. I, you know, I’m I’m as nervous as anybody, uh, when I get to that first T. I’m as I’m I’m as nervous as anyone when I need to hold a putt. Um, but you know, I just told him there’s nothing more rewarding than to to be at home and and to make a putt to win a hole or to even tie a hole if you’re in a bad spot and and and get these fans going and get them going quickly. So, um, again, I mean, there’s so much you need to learn sort of on the fly and just trying to make them aware of that. Over here to Mike 7. Xander, a couple of questions on the uniqueness of this event. One is the general atmosphere, the songs, the chanting, the banter from the fans. Do you have any particularly fond memories of playing in that environment or interactions with the crowd? Anything that sticks out? You know, I I the fans are what make this event special. You know, if you if you think about not having fans or enough of them, it would be like what we did yesterday, which was really cool to play with my teammates out here and and and sort of peace and quiet. But when it comes to the the getting the sort of the juices flowing over the RDER Cup, uh you need fans to be there. You need them to to do their thing. So I don’t really have anything sort of, you know, whether it’s it’s, you know, everyone singing singing their songs, their sort of like uh you know, pub drinking songs in in Europe or the sort of heavy USA chance we get here. Um I I I love all of it to be completely honest. And as a followup, I can’t think of any other sports event where the whole team comes in for a press conference afterwards. Um, and the atmosphere in the room at that point can be joyful obviously or quite ferial. I wonder if you can talk about what it’s like to be in those press conferences after these. Yeah, I’ve been on both sides of it. So, um, it’s, uh, you know, I said I think I’ve said it before, I just it’s it’s my favorite thing about about Ryder Cups really. Um, besides the fans, besides, you know, all the all the cool things that come with playing in a REDR Cup, um, the bus rides and sort of the in between the week and, uh, a winning bus ride and a losing bus ride, you know, those are sort of like my favorite. It’s It’s rare to sort of wear a win and a loss with your team. It sucks when I when I blow a tournament on my own. I I have to wear that. my my team will try and make me feel a little bit better, but um nothing feels worse than letting your teammates down. And we we get to feel that sort of once a year. Uh at the same time, as you’ve seen, I also like to celebrate. So, um nothing’s better than celebrating with your teammates when you are able to clip a win. Over here, Bob Xander. Uh pretty big life moment here in the last month. um can you take us through how that’s gone and also you’ve you’ve um you know you’ve not competed for a bit now. Can can you update us on maybe where you feel your game is especially coming off you know maybe not you a season that you would have preferred? Yeah. Uh it’s been awesome. I uh yeah just had a kid. He’s born on the 29th of August. A little little man. Um his name is Victor. It’s my middle name. No, I didn’t name him after Victor Havland. Um, I was I was I was Victor way before Victor was born. So, um, it’s uh it’s been it’s been awesome. Um, it’s uh I feel very lucky to to have Maya, my wife. Uh, she’s she’s at home with him right now and um I miss him a bunch. You know, I had to sort of rip the band-aid when I was leaving the house just uh kiss him on the forehead and walk out before I sat there and started staring at him. So, uh, it’s been cool to sort of learn learn what it’s like to be a dad. Um, and I look forward to everything that comes with that. Golf-wise, obviously didn’t do a whole lot of golf, uh, for a bit, um, having having him and and and trying to be a good teammate to my wife, um, because that’s kind of all us guys can do, uh, early on. So, um, I feel like after these two two days, surprisingly playing kind of nice. So, um, I know I I surprised myself when I came out. Um it was funny to get some texts from from Cap and and a lot of assistant caps to sort of hey uh how you doing you know uh because I wasn’t able to make Napa and um but it it was good to prepare at home on what was you know limited sleep but sort of a a much clearer head than in season. When when did you start kind of trying to ramp up again playing golf? couple week two weeks before I took about three weeks off um after the BMW and you know I had him on the 29th so um yeah it was nice to not think about golf at all um and and rest up and and try and help Maya and and take care of little man. So uh yeah back up to Mike Nine please. Um, Xander, you were talking a lot about the rookies and their first timers, kind of how you’re not worried and how you still got nervous on on the first team, but what do you remember back in 2021, your first time, you know, playing in Ryder Cup, those emotions? Was there a moment where you kind of realized just how surreal it was, you know, playing in this event? Yeah. Again, you know, the the sharing the room, having a locker room, having teammates, having guys to lean on, having guys to pick you up, that’s all new. going out, having music blaring as loud as possible, fans stomping the bleachers, people chanting your name. Um, that’s also new. So, we only we don’t get to practice that a whole lot. And, um, it’s, uh, it’s definitely something, uh, you know, I don’t take for granted. Uh, that feeling you get on the first te, the nerves, all that stuff. Mark two. Hey, Xander. Um, just I had two unrelated questions. One was about a Ryder Cup captain and how much of a difference you’ve been in two of these now. How much of a difference can a captain make? I mean, obviously you guys are you guys are have to make the shots, but how much of a difference, for example, can a Keegan make this week? Yeah, I mean I think every every great team has a great leader and um everyone has their own sort of style and you know I think he can he he knows how fiery and passionate he can be and he surrounded himself with some some calmer individuals at times. Um, but I think as a whole the the captains and the vice captain group are so competitive. You know, most mo most of them are still playing. So, I think when you’re removed from the game a little bit, you can sort of talk about what you have done um versus kind of what you’re doing. And Keegan, just like all the rookies, Keegan’s another one of those guys that has been whooping up on me all year. So, um it’s weird. It’s weird that, you know, he’s kind of not playing in in a sense just because he’s been playing so well. But, um, I think anyone that’s sort of fresh with the sticks at a at an event like this, he he kind of knows what us players need, uh, when we need it. Um, whether it’s a little bit of break, more practice, less practice, food, fuel, recovery, all that kind of stuff. It’s like second nature to him because that’s what he’s been doing every week when he’s competing. Just unrelated with regard to Bryson, you guys don’t get to see him very often. How would you characterize him as a teammate and and how explosive can be he be for for your group this week? Yeah, I was telling Keegan, you know, um when when this whole thing was starting that I felt like he could be when you look at Ryder Cups and how they shake down, it it’s like a it can kind of seem very different or distant at times when when you win or lose one. But I I was telling Keegan, I was like, I feel like Bryson could be like the difference for us in in in in a strange way from from the standpoint of feeding into these fans, the style of golf he plays and also how like you look at me, I’ll make a putt and you won’t see like too much of a reaction. That’s just how that’s just who I am. That’s that’s kind of how I operate. Maybe it might change this week. Who knows? You know, these router caps kind of bring out the best in you at times, but Bryson’s like this is his his arena. you know, if if he like views himself as like a gladiator golfer, like this is as good as it gets. So, he’s been he’s been awesome. Um he’s been awesome in the team room. Uh and I’m excited to to sort of see what he can do. Um uh and hopefully get a lot of points up on the board because his points, you know, his points might hit harder than than than maybe my points, for example, just because of how he might celebrate and get these fans in in this tournament quickly. Thanks, up to Mike 11, please. Xander, uh, you mentioned the the team elements of the wins and losses with this event, but I wondered for you personally what this week offers in terms of how you’ll contextualize or look back on your 2025 season as a whole. Yeah, there’s definitely nice ways to end seasons. Um, so yeah, if we’re able to, it’s already been it’s already been a fun start uh sharing the locker room with these guys and um caddies and the wives and I Keegan’s done a really nice job of kind of bringing everyone in as a big family. So, um, there’s a lot of warm and fuzzy feelings on that front, but nothing nothing as warm and fuzzy as as winning one of these things. So, um, you know, baby steps. Our team knows it’s a process and what we need to do to to to get it done. So, it would definitely put it would help me forget a lot about what happened in 2025. We got time for one more. Let’s go up here to Mike number 20. Hey, back here. 20. Yep. Um, it’s the first time where the US team have been paid to play. Keegan said yesterday that he’s given the full lot to charity. I’m just wondering, are you giving the full lot to to charity as well? Yeah, that’s my plan. You know, I think uh sort of being a product of the the PJ tour. Um, if there’s one thing besides competing at a high level that it’s taught me is to sort of have a positive impact on on the areas that you’re in. Um, and I don’t see why this would be any different. So, um, you know, there’s a lot of pride that comes into playing in one of these and, um, yes, we’re, you know, we’re happy to get paid for this and and and and yes, I plan on on donating it. It’s something that, you know, self selfishly will make me feel good about what I do. And a quick followup, do you think the American fans care that you you’re being paid as a team? Um, I mean, you guys keep talking about it and trying to make it this this negative thing. Um, it’s whatever everyone views it as. You know, I I’m I don’t think I’d be sitting up on this stage if I didn’t have a positive attitude. Um, and I try to look at this in in the most positive of lights as possible opportunity to to do some good, uh, which isn’t always the case. So, again, selfishly, if we’re able to to impact some of the local communities and charities here, uh, I think that’s that’s what should happen. So, um, yeah, thanks for your time, Xander. We appreciate it. Thank you. Russell Henley is with us now at the 2025 RDER Cup. Russell, welcome to your first RDER Cup. How’s the week been so far? Uh, it’s been awesome. Um, anytime you get to be on a team, uh, it’s really fun. You know, before last year’s President’s Cup, uh, I hadn’t been on a team in in a while. So, really cool to kind of have the locker room and have all your meals and play all your practice rounds with with the team and, um, you know, really cool to represent your country. That’s great. Thank you. We’ll take some questions. Starting with Mark on mic two. Hey, Russell. Um, just curious, you don’t see Bryson that often because he’s he’s only around four. ready tournaments a year, so to speak. How do you describe him as a teammate and how explosive can be for you guys this week? What’s the last question? How what and how explosive can he potentially be for you guys? You know, because because of his game and his whole vibe. Yeah, obviously a great player. Um explosive is a great word for how he plays. Um I’ve just really enjoyed Bryson. you know, Bryson. Um, after, let’s see, Greensboro in 20 21 maybe, I was leading the tournament and I choked it away. And the next week or the two weeks after I saw him in Baltimore at Caves Valley and he walked up and said, uh, he goes, “Hey man, you know, keep your head up. That happens to everybody. You’re playing some great golf.” And just encouraged me and I I I always remember that. Um, and so obviously I haven’t played a lot of golf with him the last couple years, but um, I’ve always enjoyed Bryson and um, it’s been really cool getting to kind of pick his brain this week. You know, I think we we operate a lot, you know, differently on the golf course and he plays a lot different game than I do. So sitting with him last night at dinner was cool getting to kind of ask him what he’s been doing in the practice rounds and stuff and he’s just he’s just a he’s he’s a great teammate. It’s been cool. Have you brought that up to him since that he encouraged you at all or Yeah. What’s what was his reaction to that? Um, oh, he just said he appreciated me bringing it up and, you know, uh, he meant it and um, yeah, he’s it it’s just cool. It’s cool to to receive encouragement from a player of his caliber and uh, that you know, typically you don’t really know what to say when one of your, you know, when you see a guy kind of choke in a tournament, but it was cool. He worded it in a way that was encouraging to me, so it was cool. Thanks, Chris. Doug, go ahead. Russell, you’ve got uh three or four guys on the team who played a President’s Cup first and then made their RDER Cup debut. Have you talked to any of them? Have they talked to you about just the difference and what to expect? Yeah. Uh I was actually talking to JT about it. I mean, I think it’s good to uh or it’s great to have gotten that experience um especially in away presence cup last year. Um, and it kind of, you know, the more times, basically he said the more times you can be on a team and getting that get that team experience, the more valuable it is. And, you know, he said he was really happy that he got to play a President’s Cup before his first Rder Cup. Mike Nine, you mentioned JT. what how invaluable is it to have someone like that with that experience for you coming into this for the first time and maybe what’s one of the best tidbits of advice he’s given you so far that’s really hit home uh hit home with you? Yeah, I think he’s you know he’s been really helpful with um just like little little pieces of advice um on what to expect and kind of brings um encouraging and fun um attitude to the team room. It’s comforting to me knowing somebody like that who has so much experience is uh on on my team and is uh has been really encouraging to me so far and just so we’ve really hit it off and it’s cool to see um somebody who’s had as much success as him kind of be very vocal um to us on what to expect and hey don’t forget to do this make sure you do that and this is how it was the other year let’s make sure so just just a lot of little little pieces of advice to make the the week uh run smoothly. So, it’s been it’s been cool to uh to have him for sure. Right here in front on Mike Three. Yeah. Russell, what’s your definition of a great RDER Cup player? Is there a a hero you have in in this event? Somebody that you inspired you over the years. Can be a European if you like. Um what was the last part? Can be a European player. Doesn’t have to be an American. Uh um well it’s kind of a the first person I think of when I think of Ryder Cup for me is Patrick Kentlay. I I played a lot of amateur golf with him and um he beat me in the USM. He was number one ranked amateur in the world when I was in college. Uh and we played the Walker Cup together, played the Palmer Cup together and um just a guy who I feel like thrives in these in these tournaments. Then, you know, I I’ve been watching unfortunately, but you know, makes me more thankful for this one. I’ve been watching the RDER Cup the last like 10 years or so. And as a pro and uh you know, I I guess I just I think of him when I think of the RDER Cup just because he’s been successful and he just has that u way of getting getting points for the team. Over to Paul on 10. Russ, just wondering, President’s Cup last year, you played a bunch with Scotty. Obviously, you had been coming off a great year, world number one, gang busters. Did you feel any extra pressure to play with, you know, a guy that had been so dominant, you know, you want to feel like you’re doing your part? Have I felt extra pressure to play with him? Yeah. Um, I don’t think so. I think I think the the pressure that I feel is the pressure I put on myself. Um I I’ve been friends with Scotty for a bunch of years now and get along with him great and I don’t really feel that from him. Um and I just enjoy being around him. So thankfully it’s I feel like if I was paired with like Tiger um it would probably feel a little bit different just because I grew up watching Tiger all the time and because Scotty is younger than me and I’ve spent so much time with him I guess I just feel a little bit differently about it. But again, the pressure I feel I feel I think is the pressure I put on myself just because what Scotty and Tiger have done at least I mean the last two years Scotty has been very similar in terms of just accolades but you feel like it’s maybe the fact that you were younger that Tiger would have carried more aura than I think so. Yeah, I think so. I guess that’s what it is. I mean I’ve spent so much time with Scotty now it doesn’t I don’t Yeah, I mean I’m I’m just much more comfortable because we’re friends. So, it’s just not um not to say I couldn’t be comfortable around Tiger. I just haven’t spent that much time with him, you know? I just know him as like the guy when I was growing up. So, uh yeah, it’s just a big difference there. Over here, Bob on 14 over here. Um one of the things Keegan said about the difficulty of forsomes is pairing guys and he he he mentioned the golf ball. just wondering how much of a thing that is is like is that something that you guys really are having to work through and and and do you find, you know, using a partner’s golf ball as a challenge for you? Yeah, so um statistically last year at the President’s Cup, I had a couple guys that I was paired well with like odds and evens for alternate shot. Um, and Tony Phenol was one of the guys and but he is the highest he plays the lowest spin, lowest launch ball because he’s the highest spin, one of the highest spin players and I play the highest spin, highest launch ball. So, we’re like on opposite end of the spectrum. So, for me to hit one of his balls with my driver would have been very like I don’t know if I would have been able to spin it over 2,000 RPMs. Um, so it is a big deal. And I think, you know, especially into the greens, you see if you’re seeing a lot different spin rate, you’re just like guy like me who uh is really emphasizes on controlling the ball with my irons. If I don’t know how much the ball is spinning, if it’s spinning way less, that’s going to be really tough for me to figure that out. So, um, absolutely, it makes a big difference. How does it change? like it means you’re going to hit the ball shorter, farther if you’re if you’re unsure, you know, especially with an iron shot. So, I think it would just be inconsistent. Like I think if you were into the wind and you had a lot less spin, I think it would just go right through it. I think if there was no wind, it might fall out of the air, but if you the face was a little wet and it it rode up the grooves a little bit, you might launch it higher with no spin and it might go farther. So, it’s kind of you don’t get this the consistency. The spin really is is huge. Yeah. Up top to 18. Russell, when you were watching those RDER Cups at home, like you said, I mean, you know, as you were getting into your 30s, how much did you still believe you’d you’d make one of these one day? I didn’t know. I don’t know that I always believed that I could. I didn’t know if it would happen. Like I last year, um I remember getting the nod from uh Captain Captain Jim, I guess you call him. um at at the Tour Championship around that time, I I remember kind of the realization of, okay, all the hard work that I’ve put in added up to me making the team. And you know, during those years of like the last six or so years of really putting the work in, like I I have goals and I hope that it would happen, but I you never know. I never I never was like, “Oh, I’m I’m going to make it,” you know? So, yeah. Let’s go over to Mike Nine. Uh Russell, you mentioned uh Scotty and just your relationship with him. Can you sense any maybe added fuel or or pressure that he’s put on himself to deliver here just because of what happened with with how he played in Rome and the tear he’s been on as the world number one? Can you sense any added motivation or or pressure that maybe he’s put on himself? I I feel like I haven’t. I mean, I feel like he’s just has high expectations for himself and it doesn’t matter if he’s playing a nine-hole game for uh for fun at home or if he’s playing in a major. I feel like he holds himself to the same standard. So, he wants he wants to play great. He wants to win. And um it doesn’t I don’t I don’t think it matters what the situation is. I think that’s just how he’s wired. Let’s wrap it up at Mike Nine, please. Uh Russell, has there been a moment yet this week or maybe even before that it’s really hit you that you are playing in your first RDER Cup? Uh I’m still kind of pinching myself honestly like sitting here talking to y’all and seeing all the stands and stuff up and all the red and white and blue and we’ve had a couple really cool like meetings and stuff. It’s still like wow this is like dream come true. So, I’m just I’m just so excited and thankful and um I’m like kind of every day I’m waking up here and I’m like, “Wow, this is going to be a cool day.” So, uh feel like a like a like a little kid or something. It’s really fun. Thanks for your time, Russell. We appreciate it. Okay. Thanks. Patrick Kentlay is with us now at the 2025 RDER Cup. Patrick, welcome to your third RDER Cup. How has the week been so far? Yeah, it’s been good. Um hopefully the rain stays away. We’ve had some nice weather the last couple days. Uh the course looks really good and uh it’s nice to be up here at a golf course I really like. Um and should be a great event. Great. Thanks. We’ll take some questions. Starting up here on Mike 14. Hey Patrick, how does uh what happened two years ago carry over? Uh and is there a sense of kind of redemption? And then the other part of that is is there a different feeling this year from what happened two years ago as opposed to when you went to Rome coming off a decisive win? Yeah, I think anytime you’re at home in these things, they feel different than when you’re away. Uh I obviously don’t have too much experience. Um I’ve only played one of each, so um it’s hard to really draw comparisons when you have such a small sample size. Uh but I think it’s going to be great this week playing in front of the New York fans. They have a reputation for being fantastic. And so I think everyone’s really excited about, you know, playing their best golf in front of them and going out and winning as many points as possible. But do do you do you feel this you got to make up for something having what happened in Rome? No, I think every time you you show up to these events uh you know you you feel pressure to perform. Um, it’s such an honor representing your country and we get to do it uh, you know, so seldomly in our sport that uh, you know, it’s a it just it’s such a privilege to be on the team and and you just want to perform at your your highest because of what an honor it is to represent the USA. Thanks. Over here on Mike Gate. Hi Patrick. Um, touching on the fans, you are obviously on the receiving end of the European fans in Rome and there’s been a lot of discussion about how rockous the New York sports fans can be. How do you think that will elevate Team USA or is there a risk that it might actually fuel tensions too much and emotions will run too high? Yeah, I’m not sure. We’ll have to wait and see. Like I said, the New York fans are fantastic and so I know uh for myself and the rest of my teammates, we’re excited about playing off in front playing playing in front of them and uh showing off for them. So, uh you know, I think it’s going to be uh an added benefit for our team uh with how loud it can be and what a great environment we’re going to be able to get to play in. So, uh I’m looking forward to it. And just to follow up, obviously the president will also be in attendance. How do you think that’s going to impact the atmosphere and the crowds here? It should be great. Um, you know, I think it’s going to be a very iconic sporting event um in one of the, you know, biggest sporting cities in the world and the fact that it’s a team event and we’re out there, you know, wearing the red, white, and blue, it’s going to be fantastic. Over here in front, Mark. Hey, Patrick. I just have two unrelated. One is regarding Router Cup captains. You’ve had a couple experiences here. Um, how much of a difference can a captain make? Like how much of a difference can Keegan potentially make this week with the vibe he creates, the movies he makes, etc. And same thing on the other side with with Donald either way. Yeah, Keegan’s so passionate and authentically passionate about this event and about being captain and and doing the best possible job he can. And so it’s a real pleasure to be on a team with him leading because it’s easy to buy in because you know that there’s buy in from the top. And so, uh, Keegan’s just been fantastic so far and, uh, I know I speak for the rest of our our team saying that he’s doing everything he possibly can to put us in a position to succeed. And we’re grateful to him and how much time and effort he’s put in to doing the best job as captain. And unrelated, uh, with regard to Bryson, you don’t see him very often. Obviously, you’ve had your headto-heads with him before. Um, what kind of a teammate in your eyes has he been and and how explosive can be he be for you this week? Yeah, we played we’ve played on a few team events together, President’s Cups and uh, you know, Whistling Straits Rider Cup. He’s he’s great in team events and, uh, you know, I was watching him hit Drivers on the Range the other day and I’m glad he’s on our side. Uh, you know, he’s a a showman out there. I think he’s going to get the crowd fired up and um you know it’s it’s really great anytime he’s on these teams because he’s such a fantastic player. Let’s go in the middle here. Mike 13. Patrick, you were um you were kind of targeted by the European fans in in Rome. I mean, you dealt with it extremely well, but do you carry any bitterness at all from from that experience? No, I think uh the fans being so passionate and tribal uh this week is, you know, has become uh such a integral part of this event. You know, it’s just to be expected at this point and uh I think it I think it makes uh makes the event fun. And just um a quick followup, you’re obviously there was um an obsession with your head gear um at the last tournament, last competition. You’re wearing a hat um today. Is there a message in that? No, not at all. Uh, like I’ve said a million times, uh, you know, the the hat didn’t fit last year and, uh, this year, uh, we worked with them to make sure we had one and we got one, so we’re good. And on six. Hi, Patrick. Does it get any easier handling the nerve factor having done a couple of these previously? And do you do anything differently? I think anytime you play in these events, um, you get a little more comfortable each and every time, but that doesn’t mean there’s not nerves out there. And I’d say that goes for for everyone. Um, you know, these events are just really special weeks and there’s such a interesting component to me in that when you’re playing a four round tournament, it’s stroke play. And so it feels a little like a marathon. Uh, there’s only one final round. there’s only one back nine. But in these events, if you were to play, you know, three or four matches, you could have three back nines, four back nines, you know, each match feels like a a final result because you have to win a point in that 18 holes. And so I think that brings out a little more drama, a little more um adrenaline because every time you’re finishing your round, it’s a it’s like a final round. And um you know I think it’s it’s one of the cool things about this event and and match play as well. Let’s go up top here to Mike 20. Hey Patrick back here. Um you were obviously centering the conversation in Rome about the American team being paid and now there is a pot of money which has been given to you to to do whatever you want to do with. Just wonder what your thoughts are on that and maybe you could tell us what you’re going to do with that portion of the of the money. Yeah, I think one of the great things about these team events for me is um you know there’s always such a big charitable component to it and so uh I’m going to donate the money uh to my charity and uh we work with a number of foundations um we work with first responders children’s foundation and we work with the SCPGA Junior Tour and we’ve worked with uh St. Jude and Folds of Honor. And so I’m excited about our continued partnership with uh those organizations. They do such fantastic work and a lot of their work uh you know really uh you know a lot of their work is really important to me. Um you know I grew up playing uh Southern California Junior Golf on the SCPJ Junior Tour. my parents would drive me to events uh on the weekends and uh if I was lucky I’d get to skip school on Friday to play a practice round and that’s where I love to or I learned to love to play competitive golf and so if I can give back uh to organizations that have helped you know make me who I am today uh hopefully someone growing up in Southern California gets that opportunity and and you know can follow their dreams as well. I’m wondering did you make any representations to the PJ of America about did you make any representations yourself to the PJ of America about Oh no. Um you know I was a late addition captain’s pick. So uh you know that’s that’s PJ of America’s decision and I know they work together with uh Keegan. Over to Brendan on five. Hey Patrick. Uh, I mean, like you said, you’ve been asked a million times about Rome, and I’m just curious, did any part of you enjoy getting to be the heel, you know, kind of in that event, the wrestling term, the heel? Um, like the the person who just got all that attention, then you frankly answered it that day. Like did did that after the fallout that’s what the attention was but like did you how proud of you yourself were you that that day the way you played the way you responded in that moment? Yeah. When I play these team events I feel like first and foremost I’m representing my country and my teammates and the best way I can help is to go out and win points for them. So if I go out and and win points and put points on the board uh then I’ve done my job. Everything else is just noise to me. Uh this week I’m we’re playing for something bigger than ourselves. We’re playing for our team. We’re playing for our country. And uh the little part I can play by putting as many points on the board as possible. That’s where 100% of my focus is. Doug Pat, there’s been a narrative in the weeks leading up to it that because one team gets a stipen and the other doesn’t, that it means more to Europe than it does to the US. What is your reaction response to that? Yeah, I think uh the US guys are 100% focused on playing the best possible golf they can. I know we’ve had tons of meetings and and tons of prep has gone into putting our players in the best possible spot to succeed and um I know 100% of their focus is on playing the best possible golf they can. Um, and I know it it means a great deal to them to show up this week and perform. Do you find that offensive? Which what do I find? Just the the feeling that when you when you hear that this means more to Europe, do you do you get offended by that? I think uh this event is very good at generating lots of noise and uh that’s not going to help uh any of us put points on the board. I think we need to put 100% of our focus on playing the best golf we can and uh let the noise be exactly what it is is just noise. Got time for one more. Mike 12. Yeah. Hi Patrick. Can I just ask about the stipend again because yourself, Xander and Keegan all very nobly said you’re all you’re going to donate it to charity. Do you think there’s a case for just having the whole 500,000 automatically going to charity or do you like to have the choice? Like I said before uh you know I wasn’t a part of that decision-m process. I don’t think any of the the team members uh were and so I can only speak for you know what my plans are. Great. Thanks for your time, Patrick. We appreciate it. All right. Thank you. JJ Spawn joins us now at the 2025 Ryder Cup. JJ, welcome to your first RDER Cup. What are your impressions of the black course so far? Yeah, it’s beautiful. Um, you know, there’s an aura to stepping onto this property and, you know, you feel the whole, uh, you know, the core of the state when you get here. So, uh, it’s a great place to be and I’m really excited to get the week started. Thank you. Questions? We’ll start right here with Doug. I’m going to assume JJ, you’ve watched the RDER Cup as a kid. Um, did you ever actually dream of playing in the RDER Cup? What was that level of belief and what was it a year ago? Uh yeah, I did watch, of course, Ryder Cups growing up. Uh did I ever dream or think I would be on a team? No. Uh you know, I think that kind of stems back to self-belief issues and and knowing my ceiling, what it could be. I just always took one step at a time. But, uh yeah, I’m just so honored to be here to represent my country, to play alongside of these great players, best players in the world, and I’m just ready ready to get going. What did you do that you weren’t doing before that got you here? Um, definitely more self-belief. Um, I think, you know, kind of taking a lot of pressure off myself as far as trying to achieve certain things or or putting limitations on myself, I just try to let go as much as possible. And I think, you know, once I had my first daughter, you know, her favorite song was Let It Go. And I think that hearing it hundreds of times every day kind of, you know, osmosis or whatever kind of just hit deep in into the soul and, you know, I just try to go by that mantra. Can you sing it for us now? Let it go. Seriously, up to Mike 19, please. JJ, my question actually is a follow on about pressure. This is renowned as a high pressure event. We saw you cope with that brilliantly, you know, at Oakmont to win the US Open. Do do you have specific techniques to help you cope with pressure? And I’m thinking particularly, have you done anything in preparation for for for what you think might come on Friday? Yeah, I’ve definitely thought about certain scenarios that I can be in this week. Um, I think the best thing that I can do is rely on my experiences, you know, over this season. Um, some of the really close finishes I’ve had and then obviously closing out the US Open at Oakmont in June. Um, you know, I hadn’t been in those situations before, but you know, it started in Hawaii. I, you know, was leading going into Sunday. Didn’t go my way. Uh, same thing with the players and just kind of growing off each experience where I just kept getting closer and closer and closer. And then the US Open, I had it and finished it off. So I think the biggest thing in preparation for me leading into this week was kind of trying to remember that experience at Oakmont and knowing that I have done it, you know, and I can do it. So that’s kind of the mindset I got to go in with this week. Front here with Mark. Hey JJ. Um, with regard to Bryson, uh, do you guys go back much in California and what’s, you know, how well have you did you know him back? Not really. Um, he’s a few years younger than me, but he grew up in Northern California. Yeah. Or central north kind of California and I was Southern California. And I didn’t play a ton of national junior golf circuits and didn’t see most of these guys really ever until I turned pro and got on tour. So, um, Bryce and I just know know him based off of playing with him on the PJ tour. for a guy that hasn’t he’s not around you guys that much obviously. How would you characterize him as a teammate and how explosive can he be for you guys this week? Well, I think um what people don’t realize he made he’s made a huge effort being a part of this team, flying to team dinners, showing up, you know, weeks that he’s playing on the live to where we we are on the PJ tour just to be a part of that team. And he’s done a great job. I mean, he’s, you know, he’s got his own thing going on, and it’s easy for us to get together because we’re all playing week in and week out together. So, I think he’s done a huge job of of trying to insert himself on this team. And, you know, I give given his personality and his brand. Um, he’s great with the fans. I think that’s going to be a huge attribute to the team this week. Up to Mike Nine. Uh, JJ Xander was in here kind of telling us about how you were asking him questions about previous Rder Cups and stuff. What what have those conversations been like with guys who have played in Ryder Cups before as you go into this for the first time? Yeah, it’s been great. You know, a lot of these guys have played, you know, multiple RDER Cups. Um, just trying to pick their brains. You know, it’s it’s a new arena for me. Um, you know, first national team appearance pretty much ever in my career. So, you know, I just want to know how they feel just so I can kind of get an estimation of how I’ll most likely feel. Um, but yeah, the common theme is like everyone’s very nervous. So, if you feel nervous, don’t worry. Like everyone else is as well. Up to 18. JJ, a follow up on that. Um, being the the rookie, quote unquote, um, I know you’re all pros, but how do you find yourself on a team like this where you have veterans, people that have been in this tournament multiple times? Can you repeat that? Sorry, I was like trying to look for you and it was Oh, sorry. Uh, how do you find yourself as a quote unquote rookie on this team when you have established veterans finding your place without selling yourself short? Yeah, I mean, you know, that’s I’ve talked to JT quite a bit and um he’s like, “You earned your spot on this team. You know, don’t don’t feel like this is a handout or or a pick and you have you have a major that a lot of us are very jealous of and you’ve you deserve to be on this team.” So I think hearing that has helped me feel like I fit in more as you know a core player than than a rookie that you know is just trying to you know make some sort of impact. So I think that’s huge for my confidence like seven. Have you ever played in a golf competition where the fans are singing and chanting and there’s a lot of humor and banter and if not how do you think you’re going to find that experience? Uh, I think maybe the closest thing would be like the Phoenix Open, Waste Management Open. Uh, but obviously no nowhere near as as the scale as as this week. So, yeah, it’ll be a fun experience. You know, it’ll be good to be on home soil and and soak it all in. Juan, so JJ, yeah. So, it feels like your your golf career keeps exceeding your expectations. No. So, I wonder how do you think this week is going to exceed those expectations and if it’s already happening. Yeah, this this season’s been incredible. Obviously, a breakthrough year for me. Um I think missing missing in my career, at least this season, would be, you know, a a team win, you know, bringing that cup home to America. And I don’t think there’s any better way to to cap off the season that I’ve had. Great. Thanks for your time, JJ. We appreciate it. Thank you. Justin Thomas is with us now at the 20125 RDER Cup. Justin, welcome to your fourth RDER Cup. Let’s go ahead and jump right into questions. Starting right here on three. Hey JT. Um, obviously there’s no real preparing for the RDER Cup, but I’m kind of curious generally how you get good at playing golf while you’re really nervous. Like, how do you actually get good at that skill? Uh, I think you just I mean being going through it as often as you can. I think it’s it’s similar to trying to win a golf tournament. Uh, the the more often you’re there, the the more you can learn from mistakes or failures. uh what you what you maybe did wrong that you feel like you could do right next time. Um and I think I mean it’s all in the same, right? I guess trying to win golf tournaments, you’re very nervous uh maybe sometimes more than others, but I think it’s just being put in that arena and and and figuring out kind of how you’re feeling and and how to cope with that the best that you can. And um yeah, that’s it’s probably the best way I’d describe it. And a lot of pros they try to say that you know when they feel that pressure they reframe it as like this is a good thing you know nerves are is that I’m just trying to understand that a little more. Is that how you think too about this stuff? Definitely. I I think I mean I remember I don’t know exactly what age it was but I I definitely remember at a young age you know being nervous was not cool. It it was like it it was showed like a sign of weakness. Um it at least that’s what I thought you know when I was when I was a little kid. It’s like if you’re nervous, it’s because you’re you’re scared and and you don’t want to be there kind of thing. But, uh, I mean, being nervous is is is great. I I I think if any of us were out here on the first tea or we had were in a position to have a putt to win the Rder Cup or win a match and we weren’t nervous, um, that would be extremely concerning for our profession. Uh, we would we would need to take a long hard look at ourselves in the mirror because it’s, you know, this is what we do. this is what we practice for and and being in those moments. So, if it didn’t mean something to you, you obviously wouldn’t be nervous. So, um yeah, I think that’s why. Let’s go up top to Mike 19. Uh Justin, we talk a lot about the importance of leadership in the Ryder Cup. You obviously get that from your captain and your vice captains, but you need it from the players on the golf course as well. Do you see yourself given your experience and personality as one of the leaders of this team? And and also, how does that tie in with playing in front of these home crowds this week? I think I have a hard time viewing myself as that. Um I maybe just I don’t know if I’m quite ready to to call myself the the the veteran or like the because I I think I associate the veteran with an older player and I’m just not quite ready for that yet. Uh but it’s it’s coming at me head on. It’s just the reality. But um you know I’ve I’ve I’m going to be anything that I I feel like I need to be for this team, for certain players, for the captains. I yeah I I I know that I’m one of the leaders on the team, but I don’t think there’s there’s necessarily um the one person on the team the last handful couple teams I’ve been on that have been like this is the person that you know when in doubt you’re just kind of looking at them like what do we do or what’s going on kind of thing. And I think that’s kind of what has has made this um this group you know this age group or whatever you want to call it a little bit different and special. But but in terms of um using the home atmosphere uh as well, I mean, do you think you’re going to need to do much of that? Uh you always can. Um because I think that’s it’s something that’ll be different or unique about, you know, New York maybe versus other uh other home rider cups, if you will, is is um they expect us to play well and they want us to play well and and if we don’t, they’re going to be upset with us and disappointed in us and rightfully so. You know, I think New York is is is known as a, you know, they want they like their championships. They they want to win and and it’s no different for the RDER Cup and and you know, that’s what we’re gonna we’re gonna try to do for him and um and give him a reason to cheer, you know, even more. But it’s I’ I’ve said it all year and all along is I’m happy to have him on my side. That’s for sure. Stay over here. Mike 13. Hi, Justin. I don’t know if you heard Rory Mroy said that the European players have had these virtual reality headsets on to simulate kind of abuse they might get from the crowd and noise and that sort of thing. I don’t know if you’d heard that and and whether during your four previous appearances whether you’ve experienced anything that’s been particularly bad or heard anything funny or anything like that or does this stuff get maybe slightly overblown? I don’t know. Uh probably a little bit of everything. I hadn’t heard that. Um that’s kind of wild. I’d be curious to see what that looks like. But, uh, it’s there’s so much noise that it’s kind of hard to you you can’t hear all of it. You definitely hear some stuff. Um, it’s tough. I go back and forth because there’s a part of me that’s like it, you know, we’re we’re put in this arena like this is the the it’s maybe a little bit more so than it was my first couple years on tour of of being more vocal and fans being more vocal, but like a Ryder Cup, you kind of know what you’re going to get. Um, but then it’s also like if we want to be maybe viewed as a little more so as athletes and and whatever it may be, then it’s kind of, you know, it’s a one-off type thing. I think all the players are in the same boat is is once it ever gets to a point of of being a little bit more personal of families, family members, you know, look, like if we’re not playing well and you’re talking trash about us, like we probably deserve it. But, you know, once if if you start getting into the the loved ones, that’s I think when everybody starts really kind of getting a little bit uh a little bit chippy. But um you know I I go back and forth. There’s obviously never in any sport a time and place to get personal or disrespectful, but at the same time it is the RDER Cup and um you know it’s a it’s a home game for a reason and there’s been plenty of good, plenty of bad on both ends and and you just uh you hope to give them reason to cheer for the good. Doug, go ahead. Justin, this came up, you know, many years with with Tiger and so I’m I’m wondering is is Scotty is is he one of 12 this week or is he looked upon differently just given what he’s accomplished in the game in the last two or three years? He’s definitely one of 12 when it comes to the team. I mean, I think it is very very cool and unique as it, you know, everybody in our team it it is. It’s not um it’s not like Scotty get, you know, get gets more points for winning a match than than I do or, you know, JJ Spawn or Colin Morawa or Xander, whatever it is. And it’s uh so at the end of the day, it’s just all about going and winning your point. I think it’s um you know, it’s all of us are very on our team are very happy that he’s on our team uh this week. So, we finally don’t have to try to figure out how to beat him in an individual tournament. Uh it’s nice that he’s on our side, but um no, I I he’s just viewed as as one of the 12 and and you know, we’re all all one and the same, I’d say. Does he have an aura? And if not, why not? It’s a good question. Um I don’t know. Um he he doesn’t to me, but I also feel like I I know him well enough that uh even if he did, I wouldn’t give him that credit. and and let him let that get to his head. Uh because he’s competitive and and can get chirpy enough that that’s the last thing I need is him knowing that if I did feel that way, but uh I’m sure he does to some people and rightfully so. Right. Right here on four. Hi Justin over here. Um your captain Bradley is just seven years older than you. Uh and I was wondering looking back maybe over the course of your career when you came on to the tour, what did you see him as? Did you see him as a senior figure? Was it was he someone that we’re looking up to or was he maybe also part of your peer group, your your sort of age group? He’s not that far apart. Uh he I mean he can be the first to tell you he he’s always been pretty quiet, kind of been to himself and and I think this this captaincy has been the best thing that that’s happened to him. I mean he’s um it’s brought out a different side of him. We we keep joking, you know, it’s like you have to talk to all of us and and you know, you can’t just kind of hide from us anymore. you got you got to hang out with us and whatnot. But I’ve known Keegan since I I first moved to Jupiter, which is, you know, been like 10 years now, which is wild. So, we we’ve practiced at the same same places. So, we we’ve we’ve always known each other and and we’ve definitely gotten a lot closer over the last probably four, five, six years just cuz I think we both respect each other’s games and also work ethics. Um, I mean, he he’s he’s out practicing a lot and and I I respect a lot of of the level of golf he’s continued to play and and you know, playing the best golf career, you know, at this age and it’s it’s it’s awesome. So, um, I I don’t I don’t necessarily I I definitely look at him more as as one of us, but I also think it’s that’s kind of the the unique part of golf, you know what I mean? Just a quick follow. Is that a change to the vibe that you saw at the previous Rider Cups where the captain was maybe a little bit more of a prominent distant figure that you were Yeah. Yeah, for sure. I mean, it it I think you’d be lying if you said it was it was the same. I mean, you know, you have a guy who’s competitive and winning the the highest level golf tournaments, top 10 player in the world, um you know, to also very good players, but it’s they’re just two completely different things. Next seven. Justin, as we know, the fans bring so much to this event. Can you tell us from your perspective what the difference is between the European fans and the American fans, what they all bring to the table? And do you have a particularly fond memory, a song or a chant or something you experienced out on the course that you remember? Uh yeah, the the the chance I don’t know how the Europeans do it. It’s really impressive to be honest. Um, I don’t know if there’s like a a a group text of like 10,000 people that they just come up with these these things, but they’re pretty they’re pretty awesome and impressive. Um, I don’t know. I mean, I think obviously the the the history of golf, you know, it lies deeper and and the um it just it’s very different. I think the the it’s the same end goal, right? Obviously, they’re they’re very excited to the the Europe I’m sorry, the US fans are very excited to cheer for us, just like the European fans are excited to cheer for for Europe. Um the the I mean, our daughter’s name is is Molly. And uh I mean, the amount of times I had that Tommy Fleetwood chant stuck in my head and Jill and I both have caught ourselves singing Molly like the right along to the Tommy uh song. So, it’s um yeah, there’s a lot of them and and I you know, I have a lot of respect for for the European fans just like I do the the US fans. It’s um you know, it’s what makes I’d say weeks like this so incredibly special. Got time for one more. We’ll wrap it up with Steve right here. Justin, I’ll ask another leaderly question. Um Xander’s obviously been through a lot the last few weeks, obviously becoming a dad, hasn’t played a lot of golf. How do you guys as teammates sort of make him feel comfortable and sort of help him get back into this at a big time? One thing about Xander is you don’t have to make him feel comfortable. He um I mean it I played a bunch, you know, golf with him probably for three or four days last week and um the first day just being back with them. He he’s he’s it was good to have him back. He’s just chirping all the time and he, you know, um I mean he’s he’s excited. He’s rested, you know. He’s uh well, I guess somewhat rested, you know, with the the baby situation at home, but um he’s excited and ready to go. But no, Xander never has to try to make himself feel feel comfortable or we don’t have to try I’m sorry. We don’t have to try to make him feel comfortable because he’s uh you’re always going to get the same Xander no matter what. And that’s the one that we all know and love and sometimes hate. Let’s do one more real quick with Mark right here. Hey Justin, I just have a question regarding the captains. You’ve been to three of these things. Can a captain make a difference Router Cup week? And if so, what what kind of difference, for example, can Keegan make? whether it’s the vibe in the room, the transparency, the pairings, that kind of thing. I think they can. I think it’s it’s extremely extremely important. Um I think it’s uh I mean, I just I remember thinking Luke did an unbelievable job in Rome with that, you know, having the the variety of of age groups, the the different demographics, you know. I mean I think having you know Jose Maria there for for Rahm and Sergio obviously very very close with them and I mean I think what um Nikolai I think Raasmus was there the his brother I mean it’s something like that like I think that’s something that the Europeans have done a great great job of of utilizing that because if it’s something that makes you know a couple rookies more comfortable um making making this week as easy and and and comfortable for everybody as possible I think is is the main goal and uh I think Keegan did an unbelievable job with that and um it is I mean it’s just trying to get trying to get kids and Neds to shut up is really the only thing that you have to to worry about but it’s you know those guys will do anything for any of us and it’s um you know it keeps it very light and uh and it’s always a good time. Thanks. Appreciate it. Thanks for your time Justin. Thanks guys.