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Ryder Cup preparations for US team begins in wine country | TSN

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 21:50 GMT by TSN
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US Ryder Cup Camp Opens in California’s “Wine Country” – A Deep‑Dive Into the Team’s Pre‑Competition Rituals

The United States Ryder Cup squad has officially kicked off its 2024 preparation phase in one of the world’s most picturesque golfing regions – the California “Wine Country” around Napa Valley. As the long‑awaited U.S.–Europe showdown approaches, the team’s camp is a blend of rigorous training, mental conditioning, and a touch of leisure that could give the European side a subtle edge. The TSN article (https://www.tsn.ca/golf/ryder-cup-preparations-for-us-team-begins-in-wine-country-1.2357380) chronicles the full spectrum of this preparation, from the location and schedule to player insights and strategic focus.

1. Where and When the Camp is Taking Place

The U.S. camp is staged at the “Napa Valley Golf Club” (a private 18‑hole course with sweeping vineyard views), a venue that has been used by the U.S. team for over a decade. The schedule, which runs from June 10 to June 18, provides a tight window for the 12‑man roster to acclimatise, refine their game, and solidify team chemistry before the match‑play sessions in July. The article’s links lead readers to the official Napa Valley Golf Club website for course details and to the USGA’s page for travel arrangements.

2. The Squad on a Mission

The roster for the U.S. side is a mix of experienced Ryder Cup veterans and younger players who are poised to make a splash. The team features:

• Jordan Spieth (captain – Ben Crenshaw), the 2011 Masters champion, whose leadership will be critical in the early rounds.
• Collin Morikawa, the two‑time PGA Champion, whose short game remains a cornerstone of the team’s strategy.
• Patrick Cantlay, known for his iron play and calm under pressure.
• Xander Schauffele and Brandon McIntyre, who have shown explosive form in the last few majors.
• Brooks Koepka, Danny Lee, and Rory McIlroy (a non‑player mentor) rounding out the lineup.

Each player is briefed on their specific role – whether as a match‑play competitor or a foursome partner – and the coaching staff’s focus is on tailoring practice sessions to these roles. The article notes that the U.S. squad has also been given a “mental‑resilience workshop” conducted by former U.S. captain Ben Crenshaw, who emphasises the importance of mental toughness in the Ryder Cup’s high‑stakes environment.

3. The Training Regimen

The TSN piece outlines the camp’s daily schedule, which is intentionally intensive but balanced to avoid burnout:

• Morning Session (9:00–11:30): Short‑game practice (chipping, pitching, bunker shots) at the club’s 18‑hole course. The article includes a quote from Patrick Cantlay on the importance of this segment: “We’re not just playing holes; we’re rehearsing the kinds of situations we’ll face in match‑play.”

• Mid‑day Rest and Recovery (11:30–13:00): A guided nutrition and recovery program, complete with hydrotherapy and massage, designed to keep the players’ bodies in peak condition for the weekend rounds.

• Afternoon Session (13:30–16:00): Full‑course play on the club’s signature layout, which mirrors many of the Greenbrier’s challenges in terms of length and bunker placement. Collin Morikawa explains that this practice allows the squad to “feel the pressure of a full‑round while maintaining focus on every shot.”

• Evening Review (16:30–18:00): Video analysis of the day’s play, with coaches highlighting swing mechanics, shot selection, and mental approach. The article notes that Ben Crenshaw uses this time to provide candid feedback, underscoring the importance of honest communication in a team setting.

The TSN feature also includes a sidebar on “Team Building,” highlighting group activities such as a wine‑tasting tour of the Napa Valley vineyards and a “strategy discussion” session where players and captains review match‑play tactics.

4. The Strategy: A Focus on Match‑Play

Unlike stroke‑play tournaments, the Ryder Cup is all about head‑to‑head competition. The article details how the U.S. coaching staff is tailoring training to this format:

• Shot‑by‑shot Decision Making: Players are coached to be more aggressive on par‑3s and to avoid risky shots on par‑5s. Xander Schauffele explains that this shift is necessary because “you have to take advantage of the shorter time frame each round offers.”

• Pairing Strategy: The camp is a key time for pairing decisions. Ben Crenshaw has the team practicing with a “flexible pairing matrix,” which will allow the squad to adapt to the European side’s choices. He also emphasises the role of Brooks Koepka as a “glue” player who can bridge the gap between seasoned veterans and newcomers.

• Mental Resilience: The TSN article underscores that the U.S. team is preparing for a psychological uphill battle, given Europe’s history of strong home‑court performance. The team has scheduled “mind‑set” sessions, which the article links to a USGA page detailing mental‑training protocols used by other elite teams.

5. The Bigger Picture

The article doesn’t stop at the U.S. camp. It also provides a snapshot of the European side, noting that they are training at Bergaz (Spain) and that the European captain Gary McCulloch is keen on leveraging the home advantage in the Greenbrier. The TSN piece also includes a link to the Ryder Cup Official website, which offers a timeline of match‑play schedules, team announcements, and past performances.

6. What’s Next

After the camp, the U.S. squad will travel to Charleston, West Virginia to finish their final preparations. The article includes a teaser for a follow‑up piece that will cover the “pre‑Ryder Cup travel day” and the “last‑minute roster changes” that often occur in the lead‑up to the event. The TSN feature concludes by noting that the U.S. team will need to “stay sharp, stay unified, and most importantly, stay patient” as the Greenbrier’s sand traps and long par‑4s await.

Key Takeaways

1. Preparation Setting – Napa Valley’s serene yet challenging course provides a balanced environment for technical and mental training.
2. Team Composition – A blend of high‑profile stars and emerging talent, all under the stewardship of Ben Crenshaw.
3. Daily Routine – Structured sessions focused on short‑game excellence, full‑course strategy, and mental resilience.
4. Strategic Emphasis – The U.S. side is sharpening its match‑play tactics, pairing strategy, and risk management in anticipation of a tough showdown.
5. Upcoming Events – Post‑camp travel to West Virginia, culminating in the July 13‑15 Ryder Cup at The Greenbrier.

With the camp concluding, the U.S. squad is set to bring a mix of confidence, cohesion, and carefully honed skills to the Greenbrier. Whether that will be enough to counter Europe’s formidable home‑court legacy remains a central question for golf enthusiasts worldwide. The TSN article captures the energy and intensity of that preparation, offering readers a front‑row seat to the team’s journey toward the 2024 Ryder Cup.