MEDINAH, Ill. — The ball was still rattling around the bottom of the cup and Keegan Bradley stuck his hand out, a big grin on his face. Phil Mickelson reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of bills. Bradley grabbed the cash and held it up to the laughing crowd.

Bring on the Ryder Cup. The kid is money, especially when stakes are high.

“He sees things clearer,” Mickelson said. “He is able to control his emotions and focus more intensely when it matters most.”

The Americans are counting on it.

There will be no room for growing pains for Bradley and the other three U.S. rookies — Jason Dufner, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker. The Americans have just one victory in the last five Ryder Cups, and they will be looking for a fast start when the opening foursomes matches begin this morning.