Ryder Cup nerves are high for US star and his | Golf News

Ryder Cup newcomer JJ Spaun confessed he and his fellow American teammates are “very nervous” before this week’s conflict with Europe at Bethpage Black, though he is discovered reassurance through conversations with Justin Thomas.

Spaun will debut in the competitors following a breakthrough marketing campaign for the 34-year-old. He established himself as a constant menace on the PGA Tour before capturing the U.S. Open in thrilling type at Oakmont back in June.

The California golfer has developed from a tour veteran grinding for alternatives to an elite performer within just twelve months, yet the Ryder Cup and its monumental strain characterize unexplored waters for Spaun, who has voiced his opinions relating to Bryson DeChambeau’s place on the squad.

During the same media session, Spaun acknowledged experiencing pre-competition jitters as Friday’s inaugural matches on Long Island draw nearer, though he is been reassured that this sentiment resonates across all 24 rivals gearing up for battle.

“It’s been great,” Spaun remarked about his Ryder Cup introduction. “A lot of these guys have played multiple Ryder Cups. Just trying to pick their brains.

“It’s a new enviornment for me, first national crew look just about ever in my profession. I just need to know how they really feel, just so I can type of get an estimation of how I’ll most probably really feel.

“But yeah, the common theme is, like, everyone is very nervous, so if you feel nervous, don’t worry, everyone else is as well.”

When the season started, Spaun was ranked No. 115 globally, but an unbelievable surge — including second-place showings at The Players and the FedEx St. Jude Championship alongside his U.S. Open victory — has catapulted him to No. 6 worldwide.

DONT MISS

It’s comprehensible that Spaun may really feel considerably out of place on golf’s largest stage given his fast ascent, but he disclosed that steering and encouragement from four-time Ryder Cup veteran Thomas have confirmed priceless.

“I’ve talked to JT quite a bit, and he’s like, ‘You earned your spot on this team; don’t feel like this is a handout or a pick. You have a major that a lot of us are very jealous of, and you deserve to be on this team.'”.

“I think hearing that has helped me feel like I fit in more as a core player than a rookie that is just trying to make some sort of impact. So I think that’s huge for my confidence.”

The Ryder Cup kicks off at Bethpage on Thursday, with Spaun and his squad charged with reclaiming the trophy following Europe’s dominant triumph in Italy two years in the past.

Spaun represents one of 4 newcomers on Keegan Bradley’s roster, becoming a member of Cameron Young, Russell Henley and Ben Griffin in their debut Ryder Cup appearances.