The most important Ryder Cup Americans not named Scottie Scheffler

The Ryder Cup is already off to a rocky start for DeChambeau. In the days leading up to the event, golf analyst Brandel Chamblee called DeChambeau a "captain's nightmare," and Rory McIlroy called him out as an attention-seeker. Team USA has come to DeChambeau's defense, but he now has something more to prove this week. 

DeChambeau is 2-3-1 in the Ryder Cup and 3-7-2 in his match-play singles career. This format has never been suitable for DeChambeau, and he's tough to pair with other players because he uses a unique prototype golf ball. There are a ton of question marks surrounding DeChambeau this week, but the fact of the matter is his power can be a weapon at this lengthy golf course. Bradley needs to find the right way to utilize DeChambeau, and he needs to respond with strong play.

Patrick Cantlay

Many fans didn't even want Cantlay on the U.S. team this year, but he was never in jeopardy of being left off the roster. The veteran American is the best match-play performer on the team. He's 5-2-1 in the Ryder Cup, 13-6-2 in singles matches and 10-6-1 in team matches in his career. 

Cantlay will be busy in the first four sessions, likely alongside Xander Schauffele. The Europeans will try to counter that experienced duo with a strong pairing of their own, so Cantlay will need to bring his A game to Bethpage Black. 

Collin Morikawa

If Morikawa's name were Joe Smith, he probably wouldn't have been selected as a captain's pick this year. The two-time major champion has just one top-15 finish in his last 14 starts dating back to the Masters. Morikawa's putting has been particularly poor over that span, and his iron play has declined from elite to mediocre in 2025.

Morikawa is 4-3-1 in his Ryder Cup career, so Bradley trusts him in this format, but this isn't the same player he was in 2021 and 2023. Due to his recent struggles, Morikawa will likely have a short leash. If he plays poorly in his first session, Bradley will be forced to play the four rookies more than he would like. 

How to watch
USA will broadcast the first round Friday; NBC will provide coverage on Saturday and Sunday. (All times Eastern.)
Thursday (Sept. 25): 4-7 p.m. (Opening ceremony on Golf Channel)
Friday (Sept. 26): 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (USA)
Saturday (Sept. 27): 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday (Sept. 28): 12-6 p.m. ET (NBC)