Bryson DeChambeau has been one of the most dominant American golfers this season.
With a win in Korea, seven top-10 finishes on the LIV Golf circuit, and top-five performances in three majors, he’s earned his place on Team USA, as confirmed by Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley after The Open.
It will mark DeChambeau’s return to Ryder Cup action after being left off the 2023 squad by former captain Zach Johnson. But while his spot on the team is secure, his path to preparation is not.
Earlier this summer, Bradley announced his intention to get his team to tee it up at the Procore Championship, a PGA Tour event in Napa, which is scheduled to take place just two weeks before the Ryder Cup.
The idea was to keep the players sharp, build chemistry, and avoid the rust that plagued the Americans in Rome two years ago.
“No one is required to go,” Bradley clarified to Sports Illustrated. “But the boys feel like this is the best course of action to be ready to play at their highest level at Bethpage”.
Scottie Scheffler, who leads the Ryder Cup standings and shot a 66 in the opening round of the BMW Championship this week, has already committed to playing in Napa.
“Outside of some extenuating circumstances, I’ll probably be playing in Napa,” Scheffler told reporters on Thursday. “It’s important for me to get out and get some competitive reps before the Ryder Cup. I felt like last time was maybe a bit too much time off.”
But for DeChambeau, that door is closed.
“Well, he’s suspended,” Bradley stated on Thursday after teeing at the BMW Championship. “And that’s out of my control.”
As a LIV Golf member, DeChambeau remains ineligible for PGA Tour competition. A Tour spokesperson confirmed to Sports Illustrated that he “is not eligible for PGA Tour competition.” Even with a sponsor’s exemption, he would need formal permission from the Tour, something that appears unlikely.
“I thought the Ryder Cup sort of transcends all of this,” Bradley added, as per reports. “And really, the last thing on my mind is the PGA Tour-LIV stuff.”
Additionally, DeChambeau’s agent, Brett Falkoff, told Sports Illustrated that “Bryson plans to participate in every team gathering that he is permitted to attend.”
With just days left between the end of the LIV season and the Ryder Cup, DeChambeau may seek competitive reps elsewhere.
The DP World Tour’s Irish Open, held the week before Napa, is a possibility, though he’d need an invitation.
Currently ranked No. 5 in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings with 10,774.98 points, DeChambeau is projected to qualify automatically. He also holds the No. 17 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, despite LIV events not awarding OWGR points.
Bradley remains optimistic about DeChambeau’s readiness.
“It’s sort of been on Bryson to come to us,” he said as quoted. “And he’s been great about that. Bryson is going to keep himself ready. That’s who he is.”
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