‘We have no reason to be cocky coming into the Ryder Cup’

How much of a benefit for the younger players is it to have legends like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in and around the team?

Tiger was the player most, if not all, of the guys in my age group looked up to when we started playing golf.

He was the player we tried to emulate when we were learning the game. For most of us it is why we even took up the game.

He and Phil have so much experience that it would be crazy not to watch how they handle situations and pick their brains about how and why they do the things they do.

Both of them have been so gracious with their time since I joined the PGA Tour.

To have the opportunity to interact with them in a team environment at the Presidents Cup last year was just so beneficial for me and the other younger guys in more ways than just golf.

Who do you want to play with and will it help to have a partner who plays the same golf ball?

It helps in the fact that the golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every shot. You build your game around the golf ball because it has to perform consistently.

I know exactly how far I hit the golf ball with every club in my bag and how it will react if I strike it the way I want.

With that being said, I was paired twice in foursomes with Rickie at the Presidents Cup and he plays a Titleist golf ball similar to mine and we had great success.

I am not too concerned if I have a partner that does not play the same brand, chances are they have played a Pro V1 or Pro V1x at some point during their careers so the transition for them should not be an issue.

What will you take from playing in the Presidents Cup and Walker Cup? How will those experiences compare?

Well, I’ll let you know how they compare after it’s over, but I can tell you that there is nothing more enjoyable than playing golf in a team environment.

I loved playing college golf at Alabama. I loved the Walker Cup. I loved the Presidents Cup.

I probably think this will be most comparable to the Presidents Cup, only we will be the visitors instead of having the majority of the fans for us like they were in New York.

I’m sure the nerves will be their to start, even going back to Junior Ryder Cup days, because anytime you represent your country it adds to whatever pressure you might be feeling.

You don’t want to let down your playing partner and teammates down. I try not to let my emotions get the best of me and just go out and play the way I know I can.

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