Frisco, Texas, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Keegan Bradley is contemplating a historic move to name himself as the playing captain for the Ryder Cup, a decision that hasn’t been made in the U.S. for over sixty years. With a strong finish to the season and a recent rule change allowing an assistant to step in as captain if he plays, the pressure is on for his announcement. Automatic qualifiers for the U.S. team are confirmed, and the anticipation builds as speculation surrounds the final captain’s picks ahead of the matches at Bethpage Black.
Frisco, Texas — Keegan Bradley Teeters on Choosing Himself as a Playing Captain for 2025 Ryder Cup
This feels like Ryder Cup soap opera material. The U.S. team is almost set, the crowd is buzzing, and the man in charge, Keegan Bradley, is thinking about doing something that hasn’t been done in America in more than six decades: naming himself as a playing captain. The announcement is looming, and everything is pointing to a drama-filled Wednesday morning.
What’s already locked in
The backbone of the U.S. side has been decided by two-year performance: Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau have all earned automatic spots. These six gave the selectors a clean starting point, leaving the captain with six captain’s picks to round out the 12-man roster.
Where Bradley stands
Bradley finished 11th in the qualification standings, just outside the automatic group. He wrapped up his season on a respectable note with a tie for 7th at the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship, his sixth top-10 of the season, and he notched a big win earlier at the Travelers Championship. Those results have many people thinking he’ll give himself one of the six picks.
There’s a practical wrinkle that makes self-selection less of a logistical headache: a recent change to the captain’s agreement now allows one of Bradley’s assistants to step in as a de facto captain during sessions if Bradley is playing. That legal fix clears the way for him to potentially pull the trigger on a playing captain move. If he does, he would be the first American playing captain since 1963, ending a 62-year stretch without one.
Who’s expected to be on the bubble
Names that keep popping up as likely captain’s picks along with Bradley include Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa. Ben Griffin, who sits ninth in the standings, has two wins this cycle and finished in the top 10 at the Tour Championship, making him a strong candidate for a pick. Patrick Cantlay got a lift with a recent runner-up at the Tour Championship, which will help his case. Cameron Young also has momentum after winning the Wyndham Championship and has deep ties to Bethpage, which is the Ryder Cup site next fall.
Big picture: Bethpage Black in 2025
The matches are set for September 26-28, 2025 at the famously tough Bethpage Black. The venue and timing matter: team composition has to balance chemistry, course fit, and form. Some players bring match-play savvy; others bring current hot streaks. That mix will be crucial on Bethpage’s demanding layout.
The announcement and the lead-up
Bradley will publicly reveal his six captain’s picks at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday at the PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas. The reveal comes one week before the Procore Championship, the final PGA Tour stop before the Ryder Cup, where many of the U.S. hopefuls are expected to show up and tweak their final preparations.
Outside voices and expectations
Outside observers and golf insiders have been leaning toward the idea that it would be a surprise if Bradley didn’t pick himself. Even high-profile supporters have publicly signaled approval of him playing, which adds to the pressure and the headlines. But Bradley’s final decision will reflect both his read on team chemistry and the strategic issues tied to playing while captaining.
What’s at stake
A self-selection would be historic and controversial at once. It would hand Bradley the dual role of team leader and player on one of golf’s biggest stages. For fans, it’s a grab-your-popcorn scenario. For players, it’s about trust: does the captain believe he’s the best fit on the course and in the locker room? For the record books, it’s a return to a type of captaincy America hasn’t seen in 62 years.
Countdown
T-minus a few days until the picks are live. Expect strategy, emotion, and maybe a surprise or two when Bradley pulls together the final 12 for Bethpage.
FAQ
Who has already qualified for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team?
The automatic qualifiers are Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau.
Is Keegan Bradley going to pick himself?
Bradley is considering it and many expect he will. He finished 11th in the standings and ended the season with a strong showing, plus a recent rule tweak makes it possible for an assistant to serve as acting captain if Bradley plays.
When and where will the picks be announced?
The six captain’s picks will be announced at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday at the PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas.
What change was made to allow Bradley to play if selected?
A recent amendment allows one of Bradley’s assistants to act as the on-course captain during sessions if Bradley is playing, smoothing out operational concerns about a playing captain.
Who are other likely picks?
Names frequently mentioned include Ben Griffin, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, and Cameron Young, based on recent results and course fit.
Where will the 2025 Ryder Cup be held?
The matches will be played at Bethpage Black from September 26-28, 2025.
Quick Reference Table
| Player | Qualification Rank / Status | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | Automatic | Core automatic qualifier by performance over two years |
| J.J. Spaun | Automatic | Solid two-year form earned automatic spot |
| Xander Schauffele | Automatic | Top-level match-play experience and form |
| Russell Henley | Automatic | Consistent performances over qualifying window |
| Harris English | Automatic | Reliable scorer and team-fit option |
| Bryson DeChambeau | Automatic | Power game that can change match dynamics |
| Keegan Bradley | 11th in standings / On captain’s radar | Season included a Travelers Championship win and solid Tour Championship finish; possible playing captain |
| Ben Griffin | 9th in standings / Likely pick | Two wins plus a top-10 at the Tour Championship |
| Patrick Cantlay | On the bubble | Runner-up at the Tour Championship boosts chances |
| Cameron Young | On the bubble | Wyndham Championship winner with strong Bethpage ties |
| Announcement | 11 a.m. ET Wednesday at the PGA of America HQ in Frisco, Texas — picks revealed one week before the Procore Championship | |
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Additional Resources
- Sports Business Journal: Ryder Cup Special Breakfast
- Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
- Sky Sports: Keegan Bradley and Ryder Cup 2025
- Google Search: Ryder Cup 2025
- Golfweek: Keegan Bradley’s Role in Ryder Cup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- CBS Sports: Ryder Cup Format and Schedule
- Google News: Ryder Cup News
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