In a surprising twist to the expected script, Keegan Bradley has been unveiled as the US Ryder Cup captain for the 2025 matches which are being held at Bethpage Black in New York.
Bradley, who was controversially overlooked for a captain’s pick by Zach Johnson for the 2023 matches in Rome, was something of a left-field announcement to fill the role, with Tiger Woods considered to be the strong favourite to be given the job.
However, Woods is understood to have ruled himself out of the captaincy on the grounds that his continued involvement with the negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf would take up too much of his time in the run-up to next September’s matches.
Woods had asked the PGA of America’s Ryder Cup committee to allow him to reduce the number of commitments that a captain is traditionally required to fulfil in the lead up to the matches, but it appears that no compromise could be reached.
The 14-time major winner now looks a certainty to lead the US team on the away leg at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027, by which time he will be 50.
Bradley, aged 38, will be the youngest player ever to captain the US Ryder Cup team. He has played in two previous Ryder Cups, making his debut at Medinah in 2012, when the home side suffered a shock defeat after crumbling during the Sunday singles, and he also played at Gleneagles in 2014, when Team USA also lost. His personal points tally is 4 points from seven matches, with 4 wins, three defeats and no ties.
Bradley: “My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger”
Bradley, who won the PGA Championship in 2011, and who won twice on the PGA Tour in 2023, said: “I am incredibly honoured to accept this opportunity to captain the United States Team at the 2025 Ryder Cup. I would like to thank the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for their trust in me as we embark on this journey to Bethpage Black.
“My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particularly special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course. I look forward to beginning preparations for 2025.”
