One of the most important tasks for Keegan Bradley heading into the Ryder Cup is deciding who is going to play alongside Scottie Scheffler to get the best out of the world number one at Bethpage.
Scottie Scheffler has a mixed record at the Ryder Cup so far in his career. He was outstanding at Whistling Straits in 2021, having been a slightly contentious pick by Steve Stricker. Meanwhile, he had a much tougher time in Rome two years later.
Scheffler also had a pretty miserable debut in the Presidents Cup in 2022 at Quail Hollow. So, much like Tiger Woods, there are no guarantees that the 28-year-old will hit the heights in the cauldron of the Ryder Cup.
Scheffler has played alongside the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Sam Burns and Brooks Koepka in the Ryder Cup. And it would be no surprise at all to see DeChambeau make his return to the event later this year.
PGA Tour winner backed to partner Scottie Scheffler at the 2025 Ryder Cup
But it would appear that it is another player who is being backed to make the team and play alongside Scheffler in New York.
Speaking on The Wagyu Filet Show, Brendon de Jonge suggested that there is one player whose chances of making the team are boosted massively by his success alongside Scheffler.
“I think Russell Henley is a lock. And we talked about this, he’s a very good player and he’s playing very well, but also for the fact that him and Scottie Scheffler played so well together in that Presidents Cup. I think we’re going to see Russell Henley on that team and we’re going to see him as Scottie Scheffler’s partner,” he said.
“At the Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal, they played alternate shot together. I don’t know that they really let the reins off on them playing better ball, but I think those guys could potentially play all five matches. I don’t know that you sit Scottie Scheffler,” Johnson Wagner added.
“And the way both of them drive it, around Bethpage, historically Bethpage has had a lot of rough, I don’t know how they’ll set it up for this Ryder Cup, but if you don’t drive it straight at Bethpage, you’re in a long day. I love that team.”
Scottie Scheffler’s verdict on partnering Russell Henley at the Presidents Cup
Scheffler was under real pressure heading to Royal Montreal last year. His previous two team appearances had been so disappointing, and it really felt like there was an opportunity for the International side to secure only their second ever victory.
However, Scheffler and Henley were outstanding together, winning two of their three matches. Henley also beat Sungjae Im in the singles.
And after their win on Saturday evening, Scheffler suggested that Henley had done an outstanding job on his debut in the event.
“I’ve got to give a ton of credit to Russ. I felt like I messed up the beginning of the match. I felt like I was on a different planet for the first six holes, really the first five holes,” he said.
“Starting on number six I hit a good shot in there, and I don’t think Russ missed a shot today. I can’t think of one shot I thought he could have hit better. Props to my guy here; he’s a great partner and I’m just proud to be out here with him.”
Henley is one of those players who does not steal many headlines. But he could be such a crucial part of the side Bradley puts together in New York. And it would be no surprise to see him win several points.
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