On Monday, Keegan Bradley was named the captain of the Ryder Cup team in 2025. Bradley played in two Ryder Cups but not since 2014.
Surprising Move
Keegan Bradley being named captain for the next Ryder Cup surprised many. The majority expected Tiger Woods to be named captain. Woods is obviously the biggest name in golf, but has struggled with his play lately due to his various injuries. Woods was reportedly offered the job of captain but turned it down.
Keegan Bradley was a name brought up only a few times when fans and media discussed the next captain of the Ryder Cup team. Stewart Cink, Davis Love III, and Fred Couples were all names brought up. Bradley was not at the top of the list. To the surprise of most, even himself, Bradley got the call. He shared that he did not even have any discussions about the possibility of being captain with his focus on being making the team.
Making The Team
There are two ways to make the Ryder Cup team. The first was is to qualify due to points. These points are received by doing well in tournaments throughout the year. The second way to make the team is by selection from the captain.
In 2023, Zach Johnson was the captain of the team. The tournament and selection process was detailed in the Netflix documentary Full Swing. Throughout the documentary, it was shown how Johnson was very friendly and got along really well with a specific group of players. When it came down to the decision of who to bring, Johnson chose to bring the guys who seemed to get along the best and who he thought would have the best cohesion as a team. Keegan Bradley was shown waiting and finally receiving an emotionally difficult phone call from Johnson telling him that he would not be on the Ryder Cup team.
Representing USA
Keegan Bradley has been very clear about how much he loves the Ryder Cup. He shared that the two Ryder Cups that he was a part of meant the world to him. He loves representing his country in this setting and seems ecstatic at the opportunity to lead the team.
The 2025 Team
Keegan Bradley stated on Tuesday that he fully intends to qualify for the team with points. He also shared that he will not appoint himself as a player if his points don’t qualify.
Additionally, Bradley stated that if a player plays on the LIV Tour or PGA Tour will not have any impact on his decision. He plans to choose the golfers that give the USA the best opportunity to win the Ryder Cup.
The 2023 Ryder Cup was a massive disappointment for USA. The team came in with expectations through the roof because of their win in the previous Ryder Cup. The golfers and fans expected USA to blow away the Europeans but the opposite ended up coming true. The USA team had a very frustrating showing and were flustered throughout as Europe won handily.
Looking Forward to Bethpage
The players will be fighting to make their respective teams throughout the golf season next year. Ryder Cup years are incredibly important to the players as every tournament win and dollar made matters more than the normal year, so the golfers have extra motivation.
Keegan Bradley, along with many others, will be attempting to step their game up to qualify. Former Ryder Cup golfers say it is better than any other tournament that they play.
The tournament itself is intense and incredibly entertaining to watch for golf fans and for sports fans in general. The competitiveness that comes out makes for great viewing and hopefully the USA can defend their home turf at New York’s Bethpage Black.
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