US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley steals show in R1 of BMW Championship

Keegan Bradley Shines in Opening Round of BMW Championship

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Keegan Bradley, the newly appointed US Ryder Cup captain for 2025, took an early lead in the BMW Championship’s opening round at Castle Pines Golf Club in Colorado. Bradley, 38, delivered an exceptional performance, carding a flawless 6-under 66, marking his lowest opening round of the PGA Tour season. His score not only put him at the top of the leaderboard but also showcased his potential to make a significant impact in the FedEx Cup race.

Bradley’s remarkable start to the tournament was highlighted by his birdie on the par-4 18th hole. This achievement was particularly noteworthy given his position at the beginning of the week. Entering the BMW Championship, Bradley was at the bottom of the FedEx Cup standings, ranked 50th among those still competing. Despite this, his performance in the first round has positioned him as a strong contender for the title. If Bradley continues this form and secures his seventh PGA Tour win by Sunday night, he is projected to climb into the top five in the FedEx Cup standings. This would significantly enhance his chances of advancing to the Tour Championship, where only the top 30 players compete.

Bradley’s recent appointment as the 2025 US Ryder Cup captain, a role announced by the PGA of America, has added another layer of significance to his performance. The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black in New York, where Bradley will lead the US team against Luke Donald’s European squad. While Bradley has expressed a desire to compete as a player in the Ryder Cup, he has made it clear that he will not select himself for the team if he qualifies as a player. This stance has sparked discussions in the golf industry, with many speculating that he may need to relinquish the captaincy if he earns a place on the team.

In the broader context of the BMW Championship, the competition remains intense as the FedEx Cup race heats up. The tournament’s opening round saw notable performances from the top contenders. Scottie Scheffler, who leads the FedEx Cup standings by a significant margin, started with a 1-under 71. Scheffler, despite battling a sore back that had him concerned about his condition, managed to navigate the course with resilience. His round included some challenging moments, particularly on the par-5 17th hole, but he expressed confidence in his ability to recover and perform well in the upcoming rounds.

Xander Schauffele, another key player in the FedEx Cup standings, began the tournament with a 3-under 69. Schauffele’s strong start is crucial as he aims to win the BMW Championship and potentially take the lead in the FedEx Cup standings. To achieve this, he would need Scheffler to finish outside the top four. Schauffele’s performance in the first round has set the stage for a thrilling finish to the tournament.

As the BMW Championship progresses, the focus will be on whether Bradley can maintain his lead and secure his seventh PGA Tour victory. Additionally, the performance of Scheffler and Schauffele will be closely watched as they vie for position in the FedEx Cup standings and prepare for the Tour Championship. The next rounds promise to be filled with excitement and high-stakes competition as the FedEx Cup race reaches its climax.