Approximately a month following the 2025 Ryder Cup held at Bethpage Black, Keegan Bradley, the U.S. captain, is still reflecting upon the potential outcomes of the competition against the European team. During the Travelers Championship media day, Bradley spoke publicly for the first time since the Ryder Cup. The U.S. team leader discussed his thoughts and reflections after departing Bethpage Black without securing the Ryder Cup victory.
“Victory brings lasting acclaim; defeat results in enduring regret,” Bradley expressed. “I don’t believe I’ll ever fully overcome this experience.”
Bradley’s U.S. team experienced a 15 to 13 defeat to Europe, but they mounted a remarkable comeback attempt on Sunday. Trailing 11.5 to 4.5 at the start of the final day, the U.S. team lost only one match, narrowing the final margin considerably from initial expectations.
The deficit was so large heading into the singles matches that Bradley confessed he needed to compose himself before addressing the team on Saturday evening.
Tommy Fleetwood defies expectations with triumphant comeback at the 2025 India Championship
Patrick McDonald
“The period since the Ryder Cup has been among the most challenging in my life,” Bradley stated. “The intense investment, even in victory, often leads to what they call a Ryder Cup hangover – a state of mental and physical exhaustion.
“The extensive planning and preparation were immense, and the first two days unfolded in the worst possible way. However, we staged an incredible rally on Sunday.”
The final score underscores the near-miss for Bradley and the American team. Following the conclusion of the matches, the team leader acknowledged during the press conference that he regretted not configuring Bethpage Black differently. The European team leaders mentioned that they were pleasantly caught off guard by the course’s layout when they arrived.
That particular decision was made the week of the competition. Bradley’s choice not to include himself on the playing roster followed him from week to week on the PGA Tour. His Travelers Championship victory at the end of June only amplified the discussion as his ranking climbed into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings at that time.
Despite being a two-time participant, Bradley ultimately decided to serve only as captain and leave his clubs behind. Bradley acknowledged during Ryder Cup week that he had considered the possibility of playing, and he reiterated similar feelings on Monday.
“I’ll always wonder what it would have been like to play there,” Bradley commented. “On the first practice day, I stood on the tee watching the guys walk down the fairway together, and I thought, ‘I wish I were playing. That’s what it’s all about. I’m missing out.’
“By the second or third day, I started thinking, ‘It’s probably a good thing I’m not playing,’ because I was so physically drained…It was a good decision not to, because it would have been detrimental. I just didn’t feel capable of handling both roles.”
At 39 years old, Bradley may have missed what could have been his last opportunity to play in a Ryder Cup – a fact not lost on him. Only Justin Rose, age 45, was older among the 24 players on the U.S. and European teams.
Nonetheless, the current world No. 14 is determined to give it another shot, despite his challenging history with the Ryder Cup.
“This effing event has been exceptionally difficult for me. I’m unsure if I want to play. Actually, yes, I do,” Bradley corrected himself. “It’s such a strange thing to be so passionate about something that consistently gives you little in return.”
