It is extremely rare for one person to have access to both teams at a Ryder Cup. Right now, that is what is happening at Bethpage State Park and the man in question happens to be a PGA Member.
He is also a coach – in fact he is regarded as the leading expert in his specialist field of putting – and several of the top players are leaning on him for help. It is no exaggeration to say that his advice could decide the destiny of this year’s match.
Phil Kenyon was one of the youngest PGA Professionals to achieve Masters status for his achievements and excellence in the field of coaching.
Just this summer, he has helped Scottie Scheffler win The Open at Royal Portrush, a player seemingly unbeatable now that Kenyon has straightened out his game on the greens, which was once his only conceivable weakness.
Under his watchful eye, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood both won on the PGA Tour in August, which explains why Kenyon has an interest in both sides at Bethpage Black this week.
Phil Kenyon pictured with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler
“It’s a little tricky because the players tend to practise at similar times, but you’re there more as a back-up in case things are going wrong, so I just do my best to make sure I’m available as and when required. It’s a lot of observation and moral support more than anything,” Kenyon told The Times.
“It’s a weird scenario because obviously I have a vested interest in the American players I work with. I want them to perform and in particular putt well, but overall, I’m European and I’d love to see Europe do it. Ultimately, you just have to take pride in your work.”
Armed with a Masters Degree in Sports Science and BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology and Sports Science, Kenyon has state-of-the-art putting studios at Formby Hall on Merseyside and Sea Island in Georgia.
He is a living, breathing example of what PGA Members are able to achieve and what places their expertise and qualifications can take them.
Kenyon helped Darren Clarke, Henrik Stenson and Francesco Molinari achieve their Claret Jug dreams, as well as Sheffield’s Matt Fitzpatrick in winning the 2022 US Open.
Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Lee Westwood and Colin Montgomerie can also say they’ve acquired his services at one time or another.
Phil Kenyon pictured working with Tommy Fleetwood
Kenyon’s techniques leave no stone unturned, especially as far as technology is concerned. His lessons use features as the Zen Green Stage, video analysis, Quintic Ball Roll analysis and Forceplate analysis.
These techniques have made him a trusted member of the backroom teams of both Europe and the USA at the 45th Ryder Cup in New York. The Ryder Cup is an event that has always been close to Kenyon’s heart, since first attending one at the Belfry over 35 years ago.
“I vividly remember the first Ryder Cup I attended was 1989 at the Belfry,” Kenyon added.
“My dad got done for speeding on the way down and then I stood on the back of a tee as the players came through and I was just overawed by how good they hit it. (In 1993) Davis Love III had this persimmon wood and it came off like a rocket. That is a lasting memory.
“It was always something I’ve looked forward to. It’s one of the best sporting events in the world, so to start as a spectator and eventually have the opportunity to work at it has been pretty cool.”
