Keegan Bradley says former Open winner deserved to be USA Ryder Cup captain instead of him

Keegan Bradley’s appointment as the captain for Team USA in the 2025 Ryder Cup has sent shockwaves through the golfing community. Announced last month, the decision defied the traditional patterns of captain selection that have long been followed by USA Ryder Cup selectors.

 

The surprise appointment was met with disbelief from various quarters, including Rory McIlroy, who expressed his astonishment at Bradley’s selection. Rickie Fowler, a stalwart of the USA team, also admitted to being caught off guard by the choice. The announcement came after a period of speculation and debate, during which several high-profile names were considered for the role.

 

Initially, Tiger Woods was seen as a frontrunner for the captaincy. The 15-time major champion, however, turned down the opportunity, citing prior commitments as his reason for not taking on the role. Another significant figure in the discussions was Stewart Cink, the former Open Championship winner, who was also heavily linked to the position. Despite Cink’s notable credentials and his expressed interest in the captaincy, it was ultimately Keegan Bradley who was chosen.

 

In a recent appearance on the Fore Play Podcast hosted by journalist Dan Rapaport, Bradley addressed his new role and the unexpected nature of his appointment. The 38-year-old downplayed his selection and expressed that he initially felt uneasy about being chosen, given the prominent legends who had been overlooked in the selection process.

 

Bradley acknowledged that Stewart Cink, who had publicly stated his desire to serve as captain, was a deserving candidate. He recalled a pivotal moment from his own career when Justin Leonard’s famous putt during the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline profoundly impacted him. “That moment changed my life,” Bradley said. “I always wanted to be a PGA Tour player, and I was motivated, but that exact moment when he made that putt accelerated everything for me.” Bradley emphasized the significance of Leonard’s performance, labeling it as one of the most iconic shots in Ryder Cup history. He expressed admiration for Cink, noting his status as a legend in the sport.

 

Despite his initial reservations, Bradley revealed that he received substantial support from fellow players and fans, which helped him embrace the role. The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black, a course known for its challenging conditions and one that is expected to play to the strengths of American players such as Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Bryson DeChambeau.

 

The decision to appoint Bradley as captain comes on the heels of a disappointing performance by Team USA in Paris. The selection of a captain who deviates from the expected norm may be viewed as a strategic move to reinvigorate the team and address past shortcomings. Traditionally, American teams have been formidable on home soil, and the tough conditions of Bethpage Black are expected to be advantageous for the USA squad.

 

If the USA team performs well, Bradley’s unconventional appointment could be seen as a stroke of genius. However, should the European team, led by the impressive Luke Donald, achieve victory once more, the decision-makers behind Bradley’s selection may face scrutiny. The shift in strategy represents a significant gamble, and only time will tell if it pays off.