Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, NY, August 29, 2025
News Summary
In a bold announcement, Keegan Bradley unveiled his six captain’s picks for the upcoming Ryder Cup, set to take place at Bethpage Black. Foregoing the role of playing captain, Bradley is focused on leadership as he selects a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars to form a competitive U.S. team. The matches aim for a thrilling contest against the European team, who will announce their picks shortly. With a blend of local ties and comeback stories, Bradley’s selections aim to rally the team for a successful campaign on home soil.
Frisco, Texas — Keegan Bradley’s Big Call for Bethpage Black
Captain’s picks shake up the build-up to the Ryder Cup
The golf world woke up to a bold, no-nonsense roster reveal as Keegan Bradley, standing at the PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas, named his six captain’s picks for the 2025 Ryder Cup. The matches head to the notorious Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, starting on September 26, 2025, and Bradley has set his team with a clear eye on firepower, experience and local drama.
A captain who chose the headset over the clubs
Perhaps the biggest storyline: Bradley will not be playing. He decided not to list himself as a playing captain, which underlines how seriously he’s taking the leadership job. That nod to history is sharp — the last time an American captain actually played was Arnold Palmer in 1963. Bradley said the choice was made some time ago and that he’s relieved it’s settled, preferring to focus fully on captain duties rather than juggling both roles.
The six picks
Bradley’s selections are a mix of big names, young talent and a feel-good comeback tale. His six captain’s picks are:
- Justin Thomas
- Collin Morikawa
- Ben Griffin
- Cameron Young
- Patrick Cantlay
- Sam Burns
These picks sit alongside six automatic qualifiers, rounding out a 12-player U.S. team designed to chase the 28 points at stake over the three-day showdown.
Who barely missed out
Not everyone made the cut. Some notable players who finished inside the Ryder Cup points list but did not receive a captain’s pick include Maverick McNealy (10th), Brian Harman (12th), and Andrew Novak (13th). Bradley himself ranked 11th in Ryder Cup points after the 2025 PGA Tour season and even claimed the 2025 Travelers Championship, but he set priorities on captain duties over playing.
Local flavor, comeback stories, and rookie energy
The team mixes veterans and storylines. Cameron Young is a rookie with a special tie to the site: he grew up in New York and owns a course record at Bethpage Black, meaning he knows the twists and nastiness of this layout like few others. Then there’s Ben Griffin, whose journey from mortgage loan officer to PGA Tour competitor makes for one of the sport’s most uplifting arcs — exactly the kind of human element that fires up a Ryder Cup locker room.
Format, stakes and the European threat
Ryder Cup structure is brutal and simple: four foursome matches and four four-ball matches across the opening sessions, then 12 singles matches on the final day. That’s a total of 28 points up for grabs, with half-points awarded for matches that end all-square. Europe, led by Luke Donald, is the defending champion after a convincing 2023 performance and has won five of the last seven Cups. The key stat to swallow: Europe hasn’t taken the trophy on U.S. soil since 2012, and they’ll be looking to change the narrative.
Broadcast and what’s next
The event will be shown nationally on NBC and the USA Network, and will also stream live on Peacock and Fubo. Opposing captain Luke Donald is scheduled to announce Europe’s picks on September 1, 2025, so the teams will be finalized with just a few weeks left to plot pairings, practice rounds and mind games.
What Bradley signaled
By passing on a playing role, Bradley signaled that the job of captain — pairing chemistry, match strategy, and sideline management — will be his full-time gig. For fans, that means the U.S. bench will have a single focused voice making tactical calls, while also leaning on the mix of experience and local knowledge he picked. The choices show a blend of shot-makers and steady hands built for both foursome strategy and singles pressure.
FAQ
Who did Keegan Bradley pick for his captain’s picks?
The six picks are Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns.
Will Keegan Bradley play in the 2025 Ryder Cup?
No. Bradley chose not to include himself as a playing captain and will serve solely as the team captain.
When and where is the 2025 Ryder Cup?
The Ryder Cup runs from September 26, 2025, at Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York.
How many points are available?
There are 28 total points available. Matches that finish tied split the point with a half-point each.
How will the matches be played?
The format includes foursome and four-ball matches in the opening sessions, followed by 12 singles matches on the final day.
When will Europe announce its picks?
Europe captain Luke Donald will name his captain’s picks on September 1, 2025.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | 2025 Ryder Cup |
| Dates | September 26, 2025 (start date) |
| Location | Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, NY |
| U.S. Captain | Keegan Bradley (not playing) |
| Captain’s Picks | Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns |
| Broadcast | NBC, USA Network; streaming on Peacock and Fubo |
| Format | Four foursomes, four four-balls, 12 singles — 28 points total |
| Europe picks announced | September 1, 2025 |
Stick around — the final weeks before the Cup are where pairings, practice rounds and psychological games take shape. With Bradley fully committed to captain duties and a roster built for both fire and steadiness, the U.S. is aiming to fight back on home soil. Expect drama, clever pairings and a big New York atmosphere at Bethpage Black.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Keegan Bradley Picks for Ryder Cup
- Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
- NY Times: Trump at Ryder Cup
- Google Search: Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup
- Greater Long Island: Renting for Ryder Cup
- Google Scholar: Ryder Cup 2025
- SF Chronicle: Bradley Leaves
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Keegan Bradley
- USA Today: Ryder Cup Format
- Google News: Ryder Cup 2025
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