By Ryder Cup Digital On August 15, 2025 14:00 UTC
Chad Campbell doesn’t hold back when asked about the pressure of playing in the Ryder Cup. In this behind-the-scenes look Campbell’s Ryder Cup career, including the 2008 victory at Valhalla, he recalls being more nervous than he’d ever been in his life. But through those nerves came an unforgettable experience: the energy of the crowd, the weight of representing his country, and the bond forged with teammates in one of the most memorable U.S. victories in Ryder Cup history.
From clutching out a comeback win in his opening match with Stewart Cink to going toe-to-toe with Padraig Harrington in singles, Campbell shares what it felt like to have the hopes of the team — and a country — resting on his shoulders. He reflects on Captain Paul Azinger’s leadership, the “pod system” that fueled camaraderie, and the surreal moment when Boo Weekley galloped off the tee, becoming a fan-favorite icon. It’s a heartfelt look into what makes the Ryder Cup so unique — and why that week in 2008 still stands as the pinnacle of Campbell’s career.
The Pressure of Playing for Your Country
“I think it’s just playing for your country is awesome. You’re playing for more than yourself. When you got the whole country and your teammates kind of depending on you, it makes a little more pressure.”
Nerves on the First Tee of his Ryder Cup Debut with Davis Love
“I get probably sent in on the first day on Friday, when I was more nervous than I’ve ever been in my life, to be honest. I was playing with Davis Love in the morning matches. That was the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life.”
When the Stage Sets In
“It was cool. Played all right and got through the first couple holes. And that was kind of the moment that it set in—how big the stage is there for Ryder Cup.”
Feeling the Weight
“It just feels like so much more pressure. I mean, the feeling that if I don’t get it done, I’m gonna let a lot of people down—which is not really the case. But that’s the way I looked at it. I’m like, man, I gotta play good. So just put a lot of pressure on myself to play well.”
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 21: Chad Campbell of the USA team holds up his golf ball during the singles matches on the final day of the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club on September 21, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)Representing the USA
“Playing for your country—it’s an awesome feeling. To have all those fans out there rooting for you, cheering ‘USA!’ It’s a feeling in golf that you don’t get anywhere else. You’re playing for more than yourself, for a whole country and your teammates. That’s where the pressure comes from. Even though you have a teammate, you’ve got to take care of your part.”
A Special Week Early in His Career
“I’d only been on tour for two years. That was a very special week for me. The whole thing is sort of a blur when you look back at it. I wish I could just slow it down a little and take it all in—because the Ryder Cup is awesome.
Remembering a Big Drive
“That was a pretty good feeling right there. That’s the first time I’ve actually seen that. We were one up on that hole. Then Stewart hit that drive—I’ve never seen him hit one that far before. It was awesome. He was pretty jacked up.”
2008 at Valhalla: Career Highlight
“It’s definitely the top of my career. The year in ’08 when we were able to win—that was just awesome. Everything just fell together. The bond between the teammates—that’s something that’s always going to be a part of it.”
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 17: Chad Campbell of the USA team (L) poses with team captain Paul Azinger during the USA team photo shoot prior to the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club on September 17, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)Paul Azinger’s Pod System
“I ran into Azinger last week and we talked about it a little bit. He was just great. He was kind of like one of us. He had a great plan with his pod system—matching people with like personalities. It was a great way to do it and obviously very successful.”
Comeback Win with Stewart Cink
“The first part of the week was a blur. But I remember the first match with Stewart against Poulter and Rose—we were getting beat pretty bad early. I think we were three down through seven. We came back to win that, which was awesome. That’s something Stewart and I still talk about now and again.”
Trusted by the Team
“It means a lot. Not only Paul, but a lot of players were involved—voicing who they wanted on the team that year. Just to be wanted, to know everybody’s got your back—it’s a great feeling. To be the last person knowing it could come down to you, it’s an honor.”
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 19: Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell of the USA team celebrate a putt during the morning foursomes on day one of the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club on September 19, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)Defeating Padraig Harrington
“Having to play a guy like Padraig—it’s definitely a great win, something I feel really good about. I remember being on 4 or 5, looking up at the board and nobody was done yet. I looked at my caddie and said, ‘This might come down to us.’ Luckily everyone else played well—and I handled my part too. I think we’d already clinched before we teed off 15, but I’m not sure.”
Honor Confusion on the Tee
“I accidentally teed off in front of Padraig Harrington. He had the honor—I didn’t even know what I was doing. I was just so excited. He reminded me, but he didn’t make me replay the shot. I guess I just got caught up in the moment.”
Boo Weekley’s Ride & Team Vibe
“Oh, it was a great team. And Boo riding the horse off the tee—that kind of sums it up. Got the crowd into it. Who else but Boo? That was perfect. It captured the attitude. We were pretty relaxed all week.”
Team USA (top row L-R) Jim Furyk, Kenny Perry, Phil Mickelson, Captain Paul Azinger, Stewart Cink, Chad Campbell, Steve Stricker, (kneeling L-R) Boo Weekley, Ben Curtis, Anthony Kim, Hunter Mahan, J.B.Holmes and Justin Leonard pose with the Ryder Cup trophy at the end of the 37th Ryder Cup on September 21, 2008 at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. AFP PHOTO/TIM SLOAN (Photo credit should read TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images)Bonding Beyond the Course
“Our play reflected that relaxed feeling. In the team room, hanging out off the course—you don’t always get that. On Tour, you have your group. But at the Ryder Cup, everybody eats together, every meal. It’s a team of fellow Americans going against Europe. All that pressure from your country—it’s just a really cool feeling to be part of the team.”