Collin Morikawa says what he wishes more American players were doing ahead of the Ryder Cup this year which many top Europeans are

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If Keegan Bradley thought for one second that USA would have a comfortable time in the months leading up to a Ryder Cup on home soil, he was surely mistaken.

Of course, USA are likely to go into the Ryder Cup as the favourites. There has only been one occasion since 2006 where the away team has left the event with the trophy. And Bethpage has the potential to be its more unique setting yet.

What has not helped the home side is the form the European team has shown at the start of the year on the PGA Tour. Rory McIlroy has won three times, while Sepp Straka, Thomas Detry and Viktor Hovland have also triumphed this season.

There is still a long way to go until the Ryder Cup. And Justin Thomas‘ victory at the RBC Heritage could perhaps see the momentum turn.

But it seems that some feel that some of the American players are missing a trick this week, including Collin Morikawa.

Collin Morikawa wishes more American players were playing in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans provides one of the only opportunities to play some sort of team golf during the year. Of course, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry won the event last year, and are back to defend their title.

Elsewhere, the likes of Straka, Robert MacIntyre and Aaron Rai will also tee it up. And Morikawa admitted that it is a shame that more players on the American side are not involved – though he can understand the reasons.

“Yeah, I think more to your latter point. It’s a tough part in the schedule, but I think it’s drawn a solid field the years I’ve played, and that shows it, too. But you look at the Europeans and they’ve got four or five Euro-Euro — four or five true Euro pairings that you could potentially see guys making the team,” he said.

“But back to your question before, you can play really well with someone you’ve never met before and you can play really well with someone you play with at home every day. It just comes down to you playing good golf. How do you do that the best? Sometimes you play more relaxed when you’re in a comfortable setting, and for me that’s playing with Kurt every day when we’re home.

“Yeah, I do wish you saw a few more players out here, but we’re still, what, months away from really trying to figure out and dialing in team golf in September.”

How the USA Ryder Cup qualification standings currently look with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele leading the way

The US team certainly looks strong at the top as things stand. It will surprise no-one to know that Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Morikawa lead the way.

Justin Thomas is also on course for an automatic pick after his win at Harbour Town. But the big concern for the American side right now will be the names outside of the top six.

Max Homa was outstanding in Rome, but will surely be relying on a captain’s pick to make the team this time around, while Jordan Spieth is down in 30th in the standings.

The Zurich Classic may have been a good opportunity for some of those who potentially have a point to prove to send a message to their captain.