Bradley leads U.S. Ryder Cup Team into competition

Talk is over; Ryder Cup is here

By Jim Bebbington

The Ryder Cup is underway this weekend at Bethpage State Park’s black course on Long Island, and Colorado connections may be slim this time but they are not zero.

Two years ago the Cup was held on the outskirts of Rome, Italy, and Denver native Wyndham Clark was a rookie on the team. The U.S. team fell short that year and Clark went 1-1-1, losing in his singles match against Robert McIntyre on the 17th hole.

This year the closest Colorado has to the field is that last year’s BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club hosted many of the players on both sides, including Keegan Bradley, the U.S. team captain who won the BMW. That tournament took place around the time Bradley was named the U.S. captain, and his victory ignited a year-long debate over whether he should not only captain the team but play in the competition as well. Ultimately Bradley decided not to play.

U.S. Ryder Cup team member Sam Burns finished second at Castle Pines, tied with European Ryder Cup member Ludvig Aberg.

Bradley said Tuesday he is trying to help the U.S. team succeed but the players are the ones who have to perform. “I think the captain can make a difference,” he said. “It does come down to the players, but I think my job is to make sure that these days before the tournaments are done right and the players are comfortable, they’re having a good time and they’re relaxed. All I can do is do my very best to put them in the best position to play well.”

He said part of his job is to help the players put this week into perspective. Rory McIlroy, the European team’s best player, has called winning a Ryder Cup on the opposite team’s soil one of the hardest accomplishments in the game. Keegan said he wants to win, but also for the players to have an experience they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

“Making sure they have a fun time, making sure that they enjoy the experience, and making sure that they cherish this week forever,” he said.

The Ryder Cup is produced by the PGA of America and Steven Bartkowski, the executive director of the Colorado PGA, is heading to New York to take part. He and the professional teachers and staff in the Colorado region were not asked to provide assistance this year, but Bartkowski said it is a chance to bring Colorado PGA sponsors to New York for a close-up experience.

“I’ve never actually been there; I’m just excited to see it live,” Barthowski said this week before boarding a plane to New York. “It’s something we’re extremely proud about. It’s our pride and joy that the Ryder Cup has turned into one of the coolest sporting events in the world. ”

How to watch: (All times ET)

Wednesday, Sept. 25: 4 to 5 p.m. – The opening ceremony on Golf Channel)
Friday, Sept. 26: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on USA – Morning foursomes begin at 7:10 a.m., afternoon fourball at 12:25 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on NBC – Morning foursomes begin at 7:10 a.m., afternoon fourball at 12:25 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28: 12 to 6 p.m on NBC – Singles matches begin at noon.

Jim Bebbington is the Director of Content at Colorado AvidGolfer and can be reached at [email protected]

Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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