Keegan Bradley, after taking on the leadership of the American team in the Ryder Cup, shared his reflections on the experience, highlighting the intensity of the event and the emotional impact of the defeat.
A Challenge with Ups and Downs
Bradley, who accepted the captaincy of the United States team last year, led his team to face Europe in Long Island, New York. Despite being favorites at home, the Americans found themselves in an unfavorable situation from the start, with a significant deficit before the final day.
“You win, and it’s glory for a lifetime. You lose, and you have to live with that the rest of your life. I don’t think I’ll ever get over this.”
The captain admitted that the defeat was an emotionally tough moment, reflecting the dedication and planning invested in the event. Despite the efforts, the American team did not achieve the desired result.AP Photo/Matt SlocumBradley has taken responsibility for certain errors, including the field setup, which combined with the rain, made the game more manageable for the opposing team. Others have questioned his decisions regarding pairings and the choice not to include himself in the team.
Bradley, who is also the defending champion of the Travelers Championship, expressed that the period after the Ryder Cup has been one of the most difficult of his life.
Despite considering the possibility of playing in another Ryder Cup, Bradley, at 39 years old, acknowledged that the experience as captain gave him a unique perspective.
Although there were times when he wished to be the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, Bradley claims he made the right decision.
The experience allowed him to feel the support of American fans at different tour events. Bradley highlighted that this experience is something few have experienced in the history of golf.
After being named captain, Bradley won the 2024 BMW Championship and his victory in Hartford this June gave him more individual wins in that period than any other American except Scottie Scheffler.
