Keegan Bradley was chosen as a surprise late captain after Tiger Woods turned down the role last year – but the USA star has not selected himself to face Europe
Keegan Bradley claimed he made the decision not to pick himself as a Ryder Cup wildcard “a while ago” as the US skipper insisted: “I know 100% that this is best for the team.”
The world No.11 admitted he was set to select himself after winning the Travelers Championship in June. But Bradley, 39, has since recorded only one top-10 win in six events when he was tied seventh at the Tour Championships on Sunday.
And the US skipper instead chose Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay and rookies Ben Griffin and Cameron Young. Arnold Palmer back in 1963 remains the last playing captain.
Speaking at a press conference at the PGA of America HQ in Texas, Bradley said: “The decision was made a while ago that I wasn’t playing. This was a really tough decision. There was a point this year where I was going to play, a while ago. All these guys have stepped up to make the team and I am proud of them. I am very happy with these six players. I am glad it is over.”
Bradley’s omission from the 2023 team was captured in the Netflix Full Swing series. “I grew up wanting to play in the Ryder Cup,” he said. “It broke my heart not to play. I was chosen to do a job – to captain the team. I have said over and over again I would do what is best for the team and that is what I have done. I know 100% that this is best for the team.”
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The 2011 US PGA champion, 39, was a surprise and late choice as the American skipper after Tiger Woods turned down the role. And this summer has been dominated by his decision to play or not.
“It is really strange,” he said. “This whole year has been really strange to be honest. I am really surprised by the attention it has gotten. I have really focused on being captain
“I never thought about playing and captaining until after Travelers
“I was really comfortable with these guys. I don’t care if I play or don’t play as long as we win on Sunday. It is strange that it gets so much hype. I dunno. The Ryder Cup is a big deal apparently.”
Thomas, who will play his fourth Ryder Cup, said: I would say him leading us to victory would be cooler than anything he could do as a player.”
The six American automatic qualifiers are world No.1 Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and LIV Golf Bryson DeChambeau
European captain Luke Donald will announce his six picks on Monday September 1.
The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place September 23-28 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.