, September 1, 2025
News Summary
U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has unveiled his six captain’s picks for the upcoming event, leaving himself off the roster despite his strong standings. His selections, including Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, have ignited mixed reactions among fans and analysts, leading to discussions on leadership and team dynamics. As the event approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, reflecting on both the strategic aspects and the emotional implications of this significant decision.
New York — Ryder Cup Drama: Keegan Bradley Shocks Some, Wins Others With Bold Captain’s Picks
In a move that’s setting golf fans buzzing from clubhouse to clubhouse, U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley revealed his six captain’s picks and left himself off the list — despite sitting at a healthy position in the standings. The decision has created a swirl of emotion: excitement for one camp, disappointment for another, and plenty of hot takes in between.
What Bradley picked — and what he left out
Bradley tapped Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns as his six captain’s picks. That completed a U.S. roster already featuring top automatic qualifiers such as Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau.
The twist nobody expected: Bradley chose not to include himself, even though he was 11th in the standings. The choice has stirred strong reactions because a playing captain has not led a Ryder Cup side in more than six decades, which makes the what-if scenario feel huge and slightly nostalgic.
Why this matters — more than a roster announcement
This isn’t just about names on a scorecard. Captain picks affect chemistry, pairings, and momentum — all vital in a matchplay event where energy swings fast. By handing spots to those six players, Bradley signaled belief that they earned their places through recent form and that his biggest value to the team is the leadership role off the tee box rather than hitting shots himself.
Reactions from golf insiders split along predictable lines. Some critics wanted the spectacle of a playing captain who could shake up the narrative and drive viewership. Others praised the decision for keeping distractions at bay and maximizing unity in the locker room. There are concerns that the European side still looks formidable, and that makes these picks feel like high-risk, high-reward choices.
Pressure points and storylines to watch
- First-session momentum — history shows winning early pays off in the Ryder Cup; getting pairings right on day one could decide the contest.
- Players under the microscope — Sam Burns and Cameron Young are named as picks that could carry heavy expectations, while Patrick Cantlay has questions about recent major form.
- Pairing puzzles — getting Bryson DeChambeau into effective twosomes is flagged as a tricky task that could define Bradley’s captaincy moves.
- Experience gap — several U.S. players will be Ryder Cup rookies, whereas Europe brings more veterans back into the fold.
The event kicks off on September 26 at Bethpage Black, a course known for biting rough and true test-of-stroke golf. That setting amplifies the stakes: pairing decisions and course management could tilt the balance toward whichever team nails the opening sessions.
How the mood breaks down
One camp says the choice to stay off the roster shows self-awareness and places team needs above personal glory. The other camp laments a lost opportunity to shake up tradition and generate extra buzz for the event by reviving the playing-captain idea. Both sides agree on one thing: the decision makes the build-up to Bethpage even more intriguing.
At the end of the day, Bradley’s choice has turned the Ryder Cup into more than a match — it’s now a story about leadership, sacrifice, and whether tradition should bend to entertainment value. Fans and pundits will be watching pairings, early session results, and the captain’s sideline moves more closely than ever.
Bottom line
The picks are set, the lines are drawn, and the debate will simmer until tee times at Bethpage. Whether the bold captain chooses to stay off the tee or steps into the mix in another way, the upcoming Ryder Cup promises drama, strategy, and plenty of moments that golf fans live for.
FAQ
Why did Keegan Bradley leave himself off the team?
Bradley decided his biggest contribution would be as a captain rather than a player, choosing six teammates he felt earned their spots and prioritizing leadership and team cohesion.
Who were the six captain’s picks?
The six picks were Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns.
Which players already qualified automatically?
Automatic qualifiers included Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau.
Could a playing captain have made a big difference?
A playing captain would have been a rare spectacle and could have boosted attention, but it also risked creating distractions and could have been viewed as placing personal ambitions over the team.
When and where is the Ryder Cup?
The Ryder Cup begins on September 26 at Bethpage Black.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Captain | Keegan Bradley (not included as player) |
| 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 |
| Start Date | September 26 |
| Venue | Bethpage Black |
| Key Storylines | Playing-captain debate; pairings and early momentum; rookie presence vs. European experience |
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Additional Resources
- The Fried Egg: Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup Picks
- Golf.com: European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald’s Picks
- Ryder Cup: 2025 European Ryder Cup Team Confirmed
- Golf Monthly: US Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks Live Updates
- Golf Magic: Keegan Bradley’s Bryson DeChambeau Problem
- Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
- Google Search: RYDER CUP 2025
- Google Scholar: Ryder Cup 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ryder Cup
- Google News: Ryder Cup 2025
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