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Graeme McDowell highlights Team USA player boasting Scottie Scheffler-like iron play

Originally posted on HITC | By Jordan Harris | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 3:29 PM ET

Scottie Scheffler may be the clear top player in the world at the moment, but there are still doubts about who else on Keegan Bradley’s team will step up for the Ryder Cup.

Xander Schauffele, ranked third in the world, has not hit his stride yet this year. On the other hand, Bryson DeChambeau has not played a competitive round in several weeks.

Both Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas finished far down the leaderboard in Napa, adding to concerns about their current form.

However, there might be one player on the team with the game to surprise everyone at Bethpage.

The American Ryder Cup player who is on Scottie Scheffler’s level with his irons

Graeme McDowell has a strong understanding of what it takes to succeed in the Ryder Cup, having secured the winning point for Europe at Celtic Manor in 2010 and going unbeaten in three matches at Gleneagles in 2014.

Speaking on The Smylie Show, McDowell shared his thoughts on which player from Bradley’s side could make a surprising impact.

“Looking at the American team, there’s so many guys that we know so much about. Obviously, Ben Griffin‘s a guy, I don’t know him super well. Russell Henley, to me, I’ve known him for a long time. He was always a decent player, but it’s amazing how he’s become a late bloomer if you like.”

He added: “How old’s Russell Henley? 35? 37? I feel like he’s a late bloomer but turned into an unbelievably steady player, a great player; he’s always on the leaderboard at major championships. I look to him to maybe have a standout Ryder Cup next weekend.”

The former major winner also highlighted J.J. Spaun as someone with elite skills, like Scheffler.

“Obviously, J.J. as a fellow Srixon player, I’m just proud of the way he’s played. Clearly, his iron play is something pretty good, Scheffler level. Not many guys hitting their irons like Scheffler. His display at Portrush, I got to watch more golf at the weekend of The Open being on the mic and just watching the guy play golf, it’s an absolute exhibition.”

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Where J.J. Spaun ranks among the best approach players in 2025

J.J. Spaun’s 2025 season has been one to remember. He narrowly missed out on The Players Championship, losing a playoff to Rory McIlroy in March.

Many thought that near miss might be his best shot at taking the next step, but he proved otherwise by winning the US Open in dramatic fashion at Oakmont.

Spaun showed resilience after a rough start to his final round, something that will not have gone unnoticed by Bradley. He later made another playoff appearance at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, though this time he fell short against Justin Rose.

Player	Strokes gained approach (2025)
Scottie Scheffler	1.291
Viktor Hovland	0.945
Shane Lowry	0.765
Collin Morikawa	0.765
J.J. Spaun	0.738

Credit PGA Tour

This year, the 35-year-old golfer is ranked fifth on the PGA Tour for strokes gained approach – and it is worth noting that all four players ahead of him will also be playing in the Ryder Cup next week.

If he performs well early on, he could easily end up playing in four or more sessions during the event.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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