Bethpage Black, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Keegan Bradley, captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, has made surprising captain’s picks for the event in Bethpage Black while choosing not to be a playing captain. His selections include golf stars like Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa. This decision marks a significant shift in the responsibilities of a captain in modern golf, as Bradley prioritizes team strategy and leadership over personal ambition.
Woodstock, VT
Keegan Bradley Names Ryder Cup Picks — and Won’t Be Playing
Stop the presses: the United States Ryder Cup team for 2025 is locked in, and its captain has made a choice that surprised plenty of golf fans. Keegan Bradley, the Woodstock, Vermont native now wearing the captain’s hat for Team USA, has announced his six captain’s picks — and has decided not to include himself as a playing captain.
Where and when
The match is set for Bethpage Black from September 26–28, 2025. The course is brutal, famous, and will be packed with fans eager to see the U.S. try to wrest the Cup back on home soil.
The team makeup
The roster is a mix of long-standing stars and a few intriguing choices. The six players who punched their tickets through automatic qualifying are: Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau. Bradley’s six captain’s picks are: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns. Together, they form a 12-man squad that will head to Long Island ready for fireworks.
Big storyline: the captain won’t play
Many expected Bradley to follow a long-ago tradition and name himself as a playing captain — something that hasn’t been done in modern times and would have echoed the last playing captain, a name from the 1960s. Instead, Bradley chose to step fully into the leadership role. He admitted the choice was emotional and difficult, but stressed that leading a modern Ryder Cup team is a full-time job in itself: strategy, pairings, preparation, and the mental work of guiding a group of strong personalities.
This decision underlines how the captain’s job has changed. The role now demands constant focus on teammates, tactics, and the chemistry that makes or breaks Ryder Cup squads. Bradley decided that putting the team first meant giving up a chance to play.
Background and inspiration
Bradley’s love for the Ryder Cup runs deep. As a kid he attended the 1999 event at Brookline, Massachusetts, and that week left a mark on his career path. His father has said he’s proud and sees that early experience as a defining moment. That 1999 U.S. team, captained by Ben Crenshaw, beat Europe in a close fight and finished 14.5 to 13.5.
Tough calls and notable snubs
Picking the final roster wasn’t easy. Several names were in the mix but didn’t make the cut. One particularly notable omission was Maverick McNealy, who didn’t get a captain’s pick. Bradley urged him to use the sting of being left off as fuel for future runs. Analysts also flagged the persistent question of how to pair Bryson DeChambeau, who has historically struggled to find reliable partners in Europe matches. That pairing puzzle will be a major talking point when pairings are announced.
What Bradley plans to do
Bradley is focused on building pairings, plotting strategy hole-by-hole, and creating the right vibe in the American camp. He’s leaned into the leadership aspect — team meetings, practice plans, and mindset — all while refusing to let personal ambition get in the way of the bigger goal: winning the Cup. For him, the honor of being captain outweighs the disappointment of not playing.
Golf fans should expect fireworks at Bethpage. Whether the chemistry clicks, whether the DeChambeau pairing puzzle gets solved, and whether the younger stars step up — these will decide if Bradley’s gamble pays off.
Quick recap
- Captain: Keegan Bradley (Woodstock, VT)
- Venue: Bethpage Black
- Dates: September 26–28, 2025
- Automatic qualifiers: Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau
- Captain’s picks: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns
FAQ
Why didn’t Keegan Bradley pick himself to play?
Bradley prioritized the captain’s duties and believes the modern role requires full focus on team strategy and leadership rather than splitting attention by also playing.
Who made the team through automatic qualification?
Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau qualified automatically.
Who were the captain’s picks?
Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns were chosen as captain’s picks.
When and where is the 2025 Ryder Cup?
The event will be at Bethpage Black from September 26–28, 2025.
Were there any surprising omissions?
Yes. Some expected names didn’t make the team, including Maverick McNealy, which was a tough call for the captain.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Captain | Keegan Bradley |
| Venue | Bethpage Black |
| Dates | September 26–28, 2025 |
| Automatic qualifiers | Scottie Scheffler; J.J. Spaun; Xander Schauffele; Russell Henley; Harris English; Bryson DeChambeau |
| Captain’s picks | Justin Thomas; Collin Morikawa; Ben Griffin; Cameron Young; Patrick Cantlay; Sam Burns |
| Notable omission | Maverick McNealy |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ryder Cup Shockwave: Captain Keegan Bradley Exits Playing Roster
Keegan Bradley Reveals Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks
Masters Changes Qualification Process for Upcoming Tournaments
Robert MacIntyre Joins Team Europe for the Ryder Cup
Keegan Bradley Reveals Captain’s Picks for Ryder Cup
Keegan Bradley Names Ryder Cup Picks, Will Not Compete
Keegan Bradley Names Six Captain’s Picks for U.S. Ryder Cup Team
Keegan Bradley Names Final Ryder Cup Roster
Ryder Cup Drama as Captain Considers Self-Selection
Keegan Bradley Considers Playing Captain Role for Ryder Cup
Additional Resources
- GolfWRX: Brandel Chamblee – Keegan Bradley Has a Bryson Problem at the Ryder Cup
- Golf.com: The U.S. Ryder Cup Snub – Keegan Bradley’s Advice
- Golf Digest: Ryder Cup 2025 – Keegan Bradley vs. His Captains Picks
- The Fried Egg: Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup Picks – PGA Tour Stars
- New York Times: Ryder Cup 2025 – Keegan Bradley Captain Choice
- Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
- Google Search: Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup
- Google Scholar: Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ryder Cup
- Google News: Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup
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