Bethpage Black, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Keegan Bradley, the captain of Team USA for the Ryder Cup, has made headlines by revealing his six captain’s picks and ultimately deciding not to play as a competitor. The Ryder Cup will take place at Bethpage Black, and Bradley opted for a strategic approach, focusing on team dynamics rather than personal performance. His selections include notable players like Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, aiming to maximize the team’s chances for victory. The tournament, featuring rookies and seasoned players alike, promises an exciting competition from September 26-28.
Farmingdale, N.Y. — Keegan Bradley Names His Ryder Cup Picks, Chooses Not to Play
The Ryder Cup circus is rolling into Bethpage Black next month, and Team USA’s captain has just dropped a decision that will shape the vibe at the Black course. Keegan Bradley, the man in charge of the American side, confirmed his six captain’s picks and made the tough call to stay off the course as a player — ending weeks of speculation about a possible return to the rarefied club of playing captains.
What happened on the picks front
Bradley tapped a strong, modern-looking set of picks: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns. Those six join an American lineup that also includes automatic qualifiers like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Bryson DeChambeau. The team itself blends experience and new faces — four rookies will make their Ryder Cup debuts while six players return from the 2023 squad that fell short.
Why Bradley didn’t pick himself
There had been heavy chatter that Bradley might try to emulate a rare piece of golf history by naming himself a playing captain, which would have been the first time that happened since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Bradley considered it seriously, weighed his own form and the players who earned spots, and ultimately decided the best strategic move for the team was for him to remain a non-playing captain. He left the door open emotionally — clearly upset to leave himself off the roster — but pragmatic about maximizing Team USA’s chances to reclaim the Cup.
Local ties and the bigger picture
The choice carries a hometown flavor: Bradley played college golf at St. John’s University, a campus roughly 25 miles from Bethpage Black. The venue should feel familiar in the greater New York golf world and the Ryder Cup here is being sold as an opportunity to expand interest in the game globally. The U.S. team this year is drawn from players active on the PGA Tour, European Tour, and LIV Golf, reflecting the fractured but talent-rich landscape of modern professional golf.
How Bradley’s season shaped his choice
Bradley missed automatic qualification after finishing 11th in the standings; he did, however, post a solid tie for seventh at the 2025 Tour Championship late in the season. Those mixed results — plus the presence of top-tier automatic qualifiers — helped steer him away from the dual role. There was even public commentary from outside the sport supporting a self-pick, with one high-profile figure urging Bradley to play, but the captain ultimately prioritized team composition and strategy over the personal drama of playing.
Rules, history and strategy
Part of the earlier buzz was built on a rule tweak that might have allowed one of Bradley’s assistants to serve as captain if Bradley had elected to play. That possibility excited fans imagining a captain split between strategy and swings. In the end, Bradley chose the traditional route: run the ship from the shore, manage pairings, and focus on tactics and morale. His stated priority is singular — the Ryder Cup trophy — and he’s committed to being the best captain possible even if it left him personally heartbroken not to be in the lineup.
Numbers and dates fans need
The Ryder Cup runs from September 26-28 and will be broadcast live. This edition will be staged at Bethpage Black, and with its mix of rookies and seasoned returners, Team USA will lean on experience from players who climbed the ranks through multiple tours.
For golf fans who love the drama, the narrative here is delicious: a hometown-adjacent captain who almost rewrote a long-standing tradition, a stacked roster of American talent, and a single-minded focus on bringing the Cup back to U.S. soil. Expect fireworks — and a captain determined to do everything off the course to make sure the players produce on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the United States captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup?
Keegan Bradley is the U.S. captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Did Keegan Bradley choose to play as captain?
No. After considering the option, Bradley opted not to be a playing captain and will serve only as captain.
Who were Bradley’s six captain’s picks?
The six picks are Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns.
Which players qualified automatically for Team USA?
Automatic qualifiers include Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Bryson DeChambeau among others.
When and where will the 2025 Ryder Cup take place?
The tournament is at Bethpage Black and will be broadcast live from September 26-28.
Was there public support for Bradley to play?
Yes, there was high-profile public support for the idea of Bradley naming himself a playing captain, but he chose not to.
How close is Bradley to the venue?
Bradley has local ties — he played college golf at St. John’s University, about 25 miles from Bethpage Black.
How many rookies are on the U.S. team?
There are four rookies on this U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Ryder Cup 2025 |
| Venue | Bethpage Black |
| Dates | September 26-28, 2025 |
| U.S. Captain | Keegan Bradley (non-playing) |
| Captain’s Picks | Justin Thomas; Collin Morikawa; Ben Griffin; Cameron Young; Patrick Cantlay; Sam Burns |
| Automatic Qualifiers (examples) | Scottie Scheffler; Xander Schauffele; Bryson DeChambeau |
| Team Composition | Players from PGA Tour, European Tour, and LIV Golf; 4 rookies; 6 returners from 2023 |
| Last Playing Captain | Arnold Palmer, 1963 |
| Bradley’s 2025 standing | Missed automatic qualification (finished 11th); tied 7th at 2025 Tour Championship |
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Additional Resources
- Sky Sports
- Associated Press
- Golfweek
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ryder Cup
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