Farmingdale, New York, August 27, 2025
News Summary
In a surprising decision, Keegan Bradley has opted not to join the U.S. Ryder Cup team as a playing captain, finalizing his choices for the upcoming tournament at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. This marks a significant moment as he was in contention to be the first American playing captain in over six decades. His ethical picks include notable names like Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, alongside fresh talent. The captain’s strategy focuses on current form and course suitability, aiming to redeem America’s previous loss to Europe.
Farmingdale, New York — Keegan Bradley passes on playing role, names final Ryder Cup roster
In a move that surprised some and relieved others, Keegan Bradley has decided not to add himself to the U.S. Ryder Cup roster and will not become the first American playing captain in 62 years. The Ryder Cup is set to take place next month at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, and Bradley locked in his final choices earlier in the week.
What Bradley chose — and what he didn’t
Bradley made the call some time ago to remain off the roster as a player and confirmed the picks this week. Had he chosen otherwise, he would have been the first U.S. playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. At 39 years old, Bradley came into consideration with a solid case: he finished 11th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings this season, ranks as the eighth-best American in the official world rankings, and has earned two PGA Tour wins in the past 13 months, a total bested only by Scottie Scheffler in that span. He was previously left off the 2023 team by the former U.S. captain.
Bradley also made a point to say that comments from other players about the difficulty of being a playing captain did not sway him. The decision was personal and deliberate, and the roster was finalized earlier in the week.
The captain’s picks and automatic qualifiers
Bradley used six captain’s picks to shape his squad. The six selections are:
- Justin Thomas
- Collin Morikawa
- Ben Griffin
- Cameron Young
- Patrick Cantlay
- Sam Burns
Six players earned their spots automatically by finishing in the top six of the qualifying standings. The automatic qualifiers are:
- Scottie Scheffler
- J.J. Spaun
- Xander Schauffele
- Russell Henley
- Harris English
- Bryson DeChambeau
Rookies and form players to watch
Four players on the roster will make their Ryder Cup debuts: Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, J.J. Spaun, and Russell Henley. Young arrives with strong local credentials after setting a course record at Bethpage Black during a state amateur event and arriving off a recent victory at the Wyndham Championship. Griffin also brings momentum, having recorded two PGA Tour wins this season and several big finishes in high-stakes events.
Support staff and near-misses
Bradley’s support team will include five vice captains: Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson, and Brandt Snedeker. A few names were reportedly in the mix for captain’s picks but ultimately were not chosen, including Maverick McNealy and Brian Harman. The final mix blends veteran stars, hot players, and promising rookies.
Context and consequences
The U.S. squad has motivation: the Americans were beaten by Europe in the last Ryder Cup held in Rome, and this edition at Bethpage Black offers a chance for redemption on home soil. Bradley’s choices indicate a focus on recent form and course fit, plus a balance of experience and fresh energy. With course knowledge from players like Cameron Young and the firepower of names like Scottie Scheffler, the team will be a talking point as matchups are shaped.
This roster locks in a clear lineup heading into Ryder Cup week, and golf fans can expect pairings and strategy talk to ramp up as the event approaches. Whether Bradley’s decision to stay off the course will be seen as prudent or conservative will unfold in the pressure cooker at Bethpage Black.
Quick snapshot
- Event: Ryder Cup
- Venue: Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York
- Timing: Next month
- Captain: Keegan Bradley (not playing)
- Captain’s picks: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns
- Automatic qualifiers: Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau
FAQ
Who is the U.S. Ryder Cup captain this year?
The captain is Keegan Bradley. He will not play and will lead the team from the sidelines.
Did Bradley consider playing himself?
Yes, he considered it but decided some time ago not to add himself to the roster. The roster was finalized earlier in the week.
Who were the captain’s picks?
The six captain’s picks are Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns.
Which players qualified automatically?
Automatic qualifiers were Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau.
Who are the rookies on the team?
The four rookies are Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, J.J. Spaun, and Russell Henley.
Where and when is the Ryder Cup?
The Ryder Cup will be held next month at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.
Who are the vice captains?
Vice captains assisting Bradley include Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson, and Brandt Snedeker.
Were any notable players left off the team?
Yes. Maverick McNealy and Brian Harman were among the players considered for captain’s picks but were not selected.
At-a-glance table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Ryder Cup |
| Venue | Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York |
| Timing | Next month |
| Captain | Keegan Bradley (not playing) |
| Captain’s Picks | Justin Thomas; Collin Morikawa; Ben Griffin; Cameron Young; Patrick Cantlay; Sam Burns |
| Automatic Qualifiers | Scottie Scheffler; J.J. Spaun; Xander Schauffele; Russell Henley; Harris English; Bryson DeChambeau |
| Vice Captains | Jim Furyk; Kevin Kisner; Gary Woodland; Webb Simpson; Brandt Snedeker |
| Rookies | Ben Griffin; Cameron Young; J.J. Spaun; Russell Henley |
| Bradley’s recent form | Age 39; finished 11th in U.S. standings; 8th-best American in world ranking; 2 PGA Tour wins in last 13 months |
| Notable near-misses | Maverick McNealy; Brian Harman |
| Recent Ryder Cup result | U.S. lost to Europe in the last Ryder Cup in Rome |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: Keegan Bradley Captain’s Picks
- New York Post: Keegan Bradley’s Decision Revealed
- Ryder Cup: Keegan Bradley Announces Captain’s Picks
- ESPN: Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup Pick
- Golf Digest: Ryder Cup 2025 Updates
- Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
- Google Search: Ryder Cup 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ryder Cup
- Google News: Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup
- Google Scholar: Ryder Cup 2025
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