Keegan Bradley Decides Not to Play in the Ryder Cup and Announces His Selections
Keegan Bradley, captain of the United States team for the Ryder Cup, made a momentous decision: he will not be included in the team as a player, foregoing the possibility of being the first captain-player in 62 years. Bradley announced his decision on Wednesday, revealing that he had already decided not to play “a while ago.” In addition, he announced the six captain’s picks for the event to be held next month at Bethpage Black, New York.- Justin Thomas
- Collin Morikawa
- Ben Griffin
- Cameron Young
- Patrick Cantlay
- Sam Burns
Bradley, ranked 11th in the Ryder Cup standings this season and eighth in the world rankings, has two victories in the last 13 months, surpassed only by Scottie Scheffler on the PGA Tour during that period. Despite his desire to play, Bradley emphasized his conviction that this is the right choice. In the 2023 edition, Bradley also finished 11th in Ryder Cup points, but captain Zach Johnson opted for Burns, Rickie Fowler, and Thomas, who were further down in the rankings. The Europeans defeated the United States 16½-11½ at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, near Rome. The players who have already qualified for the U.S. team are Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau. Griffin and Young join Spaun and Henley as the rookies on the U.S. team. Young, who grew up in New York and holds the course record at Bethpage Black, earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Wyndham Championship on August 3rd and has achieved outstanding results in his last four appearances.“The decision was very difficult. There was a moment when I was going to play. All these guys stepped up in a big way and earned a place on this team, and that’s something I’m very proud of and something I really wanted,” Bradley stated.
Keegan Bradley
Griffin, for his part, has had a notable season after leaving golf in 2021 and working in finance. He returned to the Korn Ferry Tour and earned a spot on the PGA Tour. Other golfers considered for the captain’s picks were Maverick McNealy, Brian Harman, Novak, and Chris Gotterup. The European captain, Luke Donald, will announce his six selections on Monday.“Playing for your country is very special,” Young said. “And for me, the United States is my home, but New York is really my home. So going back there, to a place I love, I can’t wait to get out there.”
Cameron Young
