Zach Johnson suggests players focus on rest in lead up to Ryder Cup
US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson is happy for his players to put their feet up in preparation for the upcoming Ryder Cup.
ESPN reports that there are 33 days between the end of the frantic PGA Tour season-ending finale at the Tour Championship and the start of the 44th Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club on 29 September.
Aside from four days of practice together in Rome in the lead-up to the iconic team event, given the hectic schedule at the back end of the PGA Tour's season, Johnson is unconcerned about how much golf his players get under their belts.
"I'm confident that the guys know what they're doing," said Johnson.
"There is a tournament and some of the guys are playing in Napa, in California. So you can prepare and play if you want. That's an option.
"But you know, it's a long, gruelling season, and I think there's something to be said about rest. There's also something to be said about being home and being with your family and still preparing that way, too. So that's not really a concern of mine.
"The bottom line is, for the most part, the majority of the team played so much golf in July and August that they need a break. Your body needs a break. It's unique that we've had a month off from the Tour Championship to the actual Cup.
"Rest, I think, is probably better than actually competing off the Tour Championship."
The tournament Johnson is referring to is the Fortinet Championship in California this week, where two-time defending champion Max Homa and Justin Thomas - who didn't make it to East Lake - will compete. For good measure, Johnson and vice-captain Stewart Cink are also in the field.
Meanwhile, Team Europe's Ryder Cup stars are heading towards the end of the DP World Tour season. All 12 players will play in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth this weekend.
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