It hurt when the golfer was snubbed last year. The term “outsider” that he used to describe himself made it all the more emotional. But no worries! His chance was yet to come in the form of a captain’s role at the 2025 Ryder Cup. However, before fully stepping into his role as skipper, Keegan Bradley seems determined to prove himself to his squad mates. Quite an inspiring thought, to be honest. And his means of doing that? The upcoming Presidents Cup!
The athlete was spotted in an interview ahead of the tournament mentioning the same. While doing so, the pro made sure to express how honored he was to receive the role of U.S. Captain. “Listen, this whole Ryder Cup thing is a huge honor for me,” confessed Bradley as he added, “I want to prove to the guys that their captain can still play. It’s been really fun for me to get to know these guys a little more.”
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 25, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Keegan Bradley plays his shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament at East Lake Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
At the start of September, Bradley was picked as a wildcard entry for the upcoming Presidents Cup by U.S. team captain Jim Furyk. As a result, he was dropped from the role of Vice Captain. However, there’s no reason to worry, as he was selected due to his recent strong performances on Tour, including a win at the FedEx Cup playoff, the 2024 BMW Championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think Keegan Bradley deserves another shot at the Ryder Cup?
Maybe, but he needs to prove himself
Only if there’s no better option
Who is to blame for the PGA Tour’s recent hardships?
Do you think the absence of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth will impact the U.S. team’s performance in the Presidents Cup?
No, the new faces will step up
Maybe, but it’s uncertain
Do you think the Presidents Cup will be the same without Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth?
It will be different but still exciting
Coming back to Keegan Bradley’s role as skipper for the 2025 Ryder Cup U.S. team, he seems determined to use every opportunity to fulfill his responsibilities and duties. That includes using his chance to play alongside his fellow Americans at the 2024 Presidents Cup and proving his worth as a captain while at it. “Now that I’m the captain of the team,” said the pro, “it’s been a real mission of mine to get to know the guys a little better.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Bradley also hinted at the younger athletes on the team, including Sam Burns (aged 26), Sahith Theegala (aged 26), Collin Morikawa, (aged 27), and Scottie Scheffler (aged 28), among others, to point out the same. “Maybe some of the younger guys that I maybe wouldn’t have sat down with at breakfast or whatever,” highlighted the ex-vice captain as he added, “I’ve done that, and it’s been great for me personally.” Well, inspiring, to say the least, since it appears he has truly strived to move on from the 2023 Ryder Cup snub.
Keegan Bradley’s emotional reaction to the 2023 Ryder Cup team exclusion
“I think [Justin Thomas] is a generational talent,” admitted the golfer in an interview with Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, “I’ve always been an outsider in the sport…” The athlete also admitted how he tried to be closer to the golfers he thought would make the team, before disappointedly revealing his future plans: “I feel like moving forward I’m going to have to automatically qualify for the Ryder Cup.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But the 2025 edition of the tournament isn’t just a chance to reclaim the glory the American team missed out on in 2023. It’s also an opportunity for Keegan Bradley to prove something to himself. The golfer still hasn’t unpacked the suitcase he used when he went to tee off in Illinois for the 2012 Ryder Cup.
“I promised myself I wouldn’t open it till I won a Ryder Cup,” wrote the pro on social media after the call with Zach Johnson last year. Will he finally be able to unpack it in the coming year? Well, many will be hoping so!
