MONTREAL (WCAX) – Wednesday was the final practice day before they play for real at Royal Montreal, the site of the 2024 Presidents Cup.

It’s the United States versus the rest of the world minus Europe in a four-day match play tournament, and the red, white, and blue enter the 15th edition of the Presidents Cup searching for their 13th win in the event’s history. Dominant from the beginning, the US’s lone loss came in 1998.

This year, they’re led by world number 1, Olympic gold medalist, and FedEx Cup Champion Scottie Scheffler, plus world number two Xander Schauffle.

Making his Presidents Cup return is Woodstock native Keegan Bradley. His lone appearance in the event came back in 2013, going 2-2-1 on the weekend.

Then, he was 27 years old and one of the younger guys on the team. This time, he’s 38 and the oldest member of team USA. A lot has changed for Bradley in those 11 years, but some things have not.

“I’m still just as nervous as I was,” Bradley said Wednesday. “It’s certainly strange to be continually called the old guy. I remember the old guys when I was there, everyone called *them* the old guy. I dont know how that happened! I just feel really proud to be honest. I feel proud to be part of a locker room with Xander, Scottie, to share that bond you get in a team room, its really something we as players, its a big deal.”

Being about a four hour drive from Woodstock, Bradley says playing in this region of the world unlocks some nostalgia from his younger days.

“I would play golf up here until I physically couldn’t with the snow,” he said. “I used to get off the school bus and stuff my pockets with balls and hit them. If I lost them…I was explaining to the Southern boys the leaf rule and they had never heard of it. I was like, ‘The leaf rule was a huge part of it where I grew up.’ But I think when you play golf in the fall in the Northeast on a nice day, it’s the best way to play golf.”

The tournament begins Thursday with 5 four-ball matches, and Keegan will be paired with Wyndham Clark. Weather permitting, play is expected to begin at 11:35 am.

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