Justin Thomas had to withhold Ryder Cup information from Keegan Bradley
Justin Thomas Details the Challenge of Selecting Keegan Bradley as USA Ryder Cup Captain
Justin Thomas has recently opened up about the complexities surrounding Keegan Bradley’s selection as Team USA’s Ryder Cup captain for the upcoming 2025 event at Bethpage Black. Bradley, who was notably absent from the 2023 Ryder Cup despite a strong performance throughout the PGA Tour season, was a focal point in the discussions about team selection. Captain Zach Johnson ultimately chose Thomas over Bradley, which contributed to a significant loss for Team USA in Rome.
The decision-making process, which was prominently featured in the Netflix series *Full Swing*, seemed to suggest that Bradley’s exclusion was a contentious point. The series painted a picture of Bradley being a deserving candidate who was unfairly left out. However, Thomas has since clarified that the show did not fully capture the complexities and the considerations involved in Johnson’s decision.
In a recent episode of the No Laying Up Podcast, Thomas shared insights into the process and the difficulties he faced during Bradley’s selection period. Thomas revealed that keeping Bradley’s future as captain a secret was particularly challenging, given their close relationship. He disclosed that he had been involved in the discussions and was privy to the decisions being made.
Thomas explained, “I was in all the conversations and knew about Bradley’s situation. It was a tough, tough secret to keep because Keegan and I practice a lot together down here. Over the past couple of years, I’ve become a lot closer to him, so it made it even harder.” This close bond made it difficult for Thomas to navigate the dual role of friend and decision-maker, especially knowing the impact that the selection decision could have on Bradley.
Adding to the complexity, Thomas noted that he and Bradley coincidentally played two practice rounds together during the period when Thomas was already aware of the selection committee’s decision. This timing made it even more difficult for Thomas to maintain a facade of normalcy and conceal the impending news. “We happened to play back-to-back weeks of practice rounds while I already knew what was going to happen,” Thomas said. “It was tough, but there were many conversations, and we considered every possible angle. Everyone on the board believed that this was the best option.”
Looking ahead, Bradley remains an active competitor on the PGA Tour and continues to perform well. There is a strong possibility that he could secure a place on the team through his performance, given the changing dynamics of Team USA’s selection criteria. Traditionally, the selection committee has leaned towards choosing veteran players who were nearing the end of their careers and may not have been strong contenders for the team on merit alone. Historical figures such as Johnson, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Davis Love III, Tom Watson, and Corey Pavin, all selected in their twilight years, exemplify this trend.
However, there is a shift in approach this time, influenced possibly by Europe’s recent successes. The appointment of Luke Donald as Europe’s captain, despite his advancing age, reflects a strategy that values experience and current form over purely age-based considerations. Although Donald, now 46, is unlikely to be a player, his continued presence and performance on the PGA and DP World Tours have likely impacted the strategic choices for Team USA.
Given this evolving strategy, it is not surprising if similar success is observed at Bethpage Black. The USA’s team management, influenced by recent changes and past European successes, might favor a blend of experienced leadership and current form, potentially allowing Bradley and others in his position to play pivotal roles in future Ryder Cups.
