United States Ryder Cup team captain Keegan Bradley addressed the media with Team Europe captain Luke Donald at the first press conference on Monday afternoon at Bethpage in Farmingdale, New York.
Both captains emphasized that they want the teams to be competitive, but just as important as winning the Cup, they wish for the players to enjoy themselves and have fun.
Captain America assembled his squad on the first tee of the Black Course on Monday morning and had the national anthem playing in the background. He said it sent shivers up his spine, and it was a special moment for the players. He wanted them to know what they were playing for.
"I want to create an experience for them that they'll never forget," Bradley said.
As much as Bradley wants to have his hands on the Cup Sunday night, he wants to make this a special week for his players.
"My main goal is to put them in the best position to play well," Bradley said. "It was powerful to be together on the first tee and hear the national anthem. It was a really special time for our team. A lot of guys worked for a long time to get here, and I don't want them to waste a second."
Bradley said part of his fun is that he is competing against one of his favorite golfers and friends in Donald.
“There’s not many people I like more in the golf world than Luke Donald,” Bradley said.
Bradley pointed out that in 2011 when Donald was the world No. 1, and Bradley was the new guy on Tour, Donald treated him with unbridled respect.
“He was the first real, quote-unquote, top player to treat me with the respect that I couldn’t believe.”
Donald acknowledged the mutual respect, but he still wants to beat his friend in the tournament and be the victor, when the two have a cocktail after play concludes Sunday evening.
“We want to win. I think we are very similar in that personality," Donald said. "But there’s definitely a deep respect amongst us.”
Bradley, who grew up in New England and played collegiately at St. John's University, is tickled to death to be the captain of the team playing at Bethpage in New York.
"It feels really amazing, especially sitting next here to Luke Donald. I came here as an 18-year-old kid going to St. John's, played the Red Course as our home tournament, and to come back as the Ryder Cup captain is something beyond my wildest dreams," Bradley said. "It's been a really magical week for us so far, being around the guys and just seeing how well they're bonded, and being out at this incredible venue has been unbelievable.
"This has been one of the most incredible things I've ever experienced in my life, and to experience it alongside a friend like Luke Donald, and an amazing team in Europe that's coming off a great win has been awesome."