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Russell Henley opens up on Justin Thomas’s insight about Ryder Cup vs Presidents Cup

Originally posted on HITC | By Antony Martin | Last updated Sep 14, 2025 2:47 PM ET

Russell Henley took part in the Presidents Cup in Montreal last year, and he will be making his first Ryder Cup appearance later this month.

He is well aware of how different the two events are after chatting with teammates like Justin Thomas.

The 36-year-old golfer had an impressive 2025 season on the PGA Tour, highlighted by a big win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Henley’s putting skills will be a huge asset for Team USA at Bethpage. There is talk that he could partner up with Scottie Scheffler, which would make for an interesting pairing.

Despite his strong performance at the Procore Championship this week, the Georgia native’s post-round press conference largely focused on the upcoming event.

What Russell Henley has learned about the differences between the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup

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Henley got a taste of team golf last year at the Presidents Cup, but the atmosphere at Bethpage in two weeks will be something else entirely.

Given that Justin Thomas also played in a Presidents Cup before making his Ryder Cup debut, Henley was asked if they had discussed how those experiences compare.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve just heard it’s much different, it’s – especially going from when it was away to being a home game.

“Yeah. Going to be much – that’s kind of the thing I’ve heard, a home Ryder Cup is way different than an away Presidents Cup for sure. I think it’s just going to be really loud.”

Fortunately, Henley’s Ryder Cup debut will take place with the home team at Bethpage. As is widely known, playing that tournament away is a completely different challenge.

Russell Henley’s take on Keegan Bradley’s self-selection for the Ryder Cup

Before team selections were finalised, Henley was asked whether he thought US captain Keegan Bradley should pick himself for the Ryder Cup squad.

“I mean, I hope so. I mean, he’s what 15th in the world and just won? So probably close to 10 now. I mean, he’s playing great. He’s been playing great. I think he would be a great teammate,“ he responded.

Bradley acted in the team’s best interests.

The PGA of America put him in a difficult spot. Had he not been captain, he certainly would be playing at Bethpage Black this month.

It is now up to Henley and the team to ensure Bradley’s decision not to pick himself was not in vain.

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

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