With BMW victory, Keegan Bradley enters Presidents Cup picture and the real possibility of becoming Ryder Cup playing captain

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — Keegan Bradley’s remarkable year took another significant turn at Castle Pines Golf Club on Sunday, as he emerged victorious at the BMW Championship. This triumph not only added to a memorable year for the 38-year-old golfer but also intensified the conversation around his future in the sport.

Just six weeks prior, Bradley was honored with the role of captain for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team. However, his victory at the BMW Championship showcased that his skills remain formidable and capable of competing at the highest levels. The win also brought a layer of irony: by clinching this title, Bradley propelled himself into the spotlight for consideration for a spot on this year’s U.S. Presidents Cup team. This is notable given that he was notably left out of the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

 

Reflecting on his dual role, Bradley remarked, “I think being the Ryder Cup captain has put me into this category of sort of player when they haven’t really had a Ryder Cup captain that’s been playing full-time on the tour.” He added, “One of my goals was to make that Presidents Cup team. So we’ll see. I hope I didn’t throw a huge wrench in everybody’s plans, but I’m proud to be in consideration.”

 

A week before the BMW Championship, Bradley was grappling with uncertainty about his place in the FedEx Cup standings. He was even preparing to return to South Florida from Nashville after the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Yet, a dramatic turn of events saw him secure the 50th and final spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs field.

 

In an emotional reflection, Bradley shared, “I’m in a bit of a state of shock because there was a time a week ago about this time that I didn’t think I was going to be coming here. I had to have a lot of magical things happen for me to just play in this tournament, and when I got here, I was so grateful just to be here.” He went on to say, “I played with a real sense of calm all week, which is not the norm for me. I’m really proud of the way that I played.”

 

Bradley’s remarkable performance included a surge from 50th to 4th in FedEx Cup points, illustrating his impressive resilience and skill. He began the final round of the BMW Championship with a one-stroke lead over Adam Scott. However, the tension was palpable as Scott made an eagle on the opening hole, leveling the field. From that moment, Bradley had to fend off strong challenges from Scott, Sam Burns, and Ludvig Aberg, all of whom tied for second place.

 

The decisive moment came on the par-5 17th hole. Bradley’s second shot, a 5-iron from 222 yards, was pivotal. He described it as “one of the purest golf shots I’ve ever hit,” navigating the altitude and wind conditions to land the ball close to the hole. “It’s one of those moments when you realize you can hit these shots in contention when it matters most,” Bradley reflected. His successful birdie on the 17th hole provided him with a crucial two-stroke lead heading into the final hole.

 

Despite a bogey on the 18th, Bradley’s final-round score of 72 and a 72-hole total of 12-under-par 276 secured him a narrow one-stroke victory. This win marks his seventh PGA Tour title and his second BMW Championship win, having previously claimed the title in 2018. Furthermore, Bradley’s victory affirms that his career is not on the decline, as he has now won tournaments in three consecutive years.

 

Addressing his role as Ryder Cup captain, Bradley commented, “Being the Ryder Cup captain didn’t feel that way. They made that clear to me. Not that I really cared what they think. I’m proud to be the Ryder Cup captain. I would love to be a playing captain.” He expressed a sentiment that while it’s rare for a Ryder Cup captain to also be an active player, he sees it as a unique opportunity. “It’s going to be really hard for me to make that team, but if I make the team I’ll play. I don’t see myself being a captain’s pick. I’ll be proud to just be the captain. If I have to go out there and play, I’d love to do that, too. I still feel like I’m in the prime of my career. I feel like I can still keep playing at a high level for a while.”

 

Bradley’s triumph at the BMW Championship not only cemented his status as a formidable competitor but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of his career, blending leadership roles with ongoing competitive excellence.