I owe it to these guys to be the best captain - Bradley

Bradley Bows Out as Player to Lead Team USA at Ryder Cup 2025

Keegan Bradley has opted for the golf buggy over the bag at this year’s Ryder Cup, confirming he will not play but instead focus solely on leading Team USA as captain at Bethpage Black from 26–28 September.

The 39-year-old’s decision, while difficult, has been hailed as a move of clarity and selflessness. Despite winning the Travelers Championship in June and being widely regarded as one of America’s top dozen players, Bradley chose not to name himself among the 12-man squad.

“It hurts, for sure. I mean, I grew up wanting to play Ryder Cups,” Bradley told BBC Sport. “But you have to remind yourself what an honour it is to be Ryder Cup captain. This is the ultimate job in golf.”

Avoiding the Pitfalls of a Playing Captain

Bradley flirted with the idea of becoming the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer, but the growing demands of the modern Ryder Cup ultimately made it unfeasible. From shaping pairings and making strategic decisions to managing personalities and emotions, the captain’s role leaves little mental room for personal performance.

“I wanted to be treated like any other player on the team,” Bradley added. “So I didn’t rule myself out publicly because we wouldn’t do that for others either.”

Bradley’s withdrawal enhances team unity and silences any whispers of self-interest. His choice sends a clear message: this Ryder Cup is about the team, not personal legacy.

Six Wildcard Picks That Reflect Bradley’s Vision

The former PGA Champion announced a lineup featuring four rookies and six captain’s picks chosen for grit, form, and chemistry:

Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay were automatic choices with unmatched matchplay records.
Cameron Young, a New Yorker and course record holder at Bethpage, brings both form and home advantage.
Ben Griffin, known for his comeback story and consistency, adds a resilient locker-room presence.
Sam Burns, a deadly putter, poses a tactical threat.
Collin Morikawa, despite patchy form, edges in based on pedigree and previous major success.

Bradley’s picks mirror the qualities he sought: elite ball striking, composure under pressure, and synergy on and around the greens.

A Boost for Team Cohesion, A Blow for Europe?

While Europe’s captain Luke Donald might quietly welcome Bradley’s absence as a player, there’s little doubt that Team USA looks stronger and more unified as a result. Donald, cool and analytical, is expected to announce his own wildcard picks from London on Monday.

Still, Bradley remains wary of Europe’s strength. “They have an incredibly stacked team… maybe the best European team ever,” he noted. “And possibly the best Ryder Cup captain ever in Luke Donald.”

The 2025 Ryder Cup will unfold in hostile New York territory for Team Europe, with the Bethpage crowd poised to create a cauldron of noise. Team USA, meanwhile, appears leaner, more focused, and better prepared than in recent campaigns.

With five straight home victories on the line, Europe is desperate to break the trend. But Bradley’s bold choice might just give the United States their best shot at retaining the trophy.