For a competitor whose connection to the Ryder Cup carries considerable weight, Keegan Bradley reached a conclusive determination Wednesday when he withdrew his name from the United States squad slated to participate next month at Bethpage Black. The 39-year-old team leader prioritized country and team objectives over his individual ambitions in an act of self-sacrifice that presents as more straightforward than reality suggests.
“This was a genuinely challenging choice,” Bradley expressed. “I’d suggest there was a moment during the year when I was [intending] to participate, some time ago, and each of those individuals significantly elevated their performance, earning their places on this team. That’s an achievement I deeply value and genuinely desired. It was an extraordinarily demanding choice, but one that satisfies me. I’m content with the selected six players, and I’m relieved it’s settled.”
Bradley’s past involvements with the Ryder Cup are comprehensively documented and often uncomfortable to recall.
In 2012, he secured automatic qualification for his inaugural Ryder Cup appearance at Medinah. Entering with anticipation and enthusiasm, Bradley enjoyed success over the initial two days while partnering with Phil Mickelson, producing compelling results. The U.S. flag couldn’t have appeared more rapidly on the scoreboard. The pair secured a 4&3 victory in the opening foursomes session against Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia. That afternoon, they achieved another 2&1 triumph over the Northern Ireland duo of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. The following day, they extended their winning streak with a resounding 7&6 victory over Donald and Lee Westwood.
The U.S. side demonstrated exceptional performance, although Bradley was unaware at the time, representing the zenith of his Ryder Cup involvement as a player. Following a break during the Saturday afternoon session, he experienced a 2&1 defeat to a hurried McIlroy in Sunday singles. The U.S. team started the final day with a substantial 10 to 6 advantage but departed the event with disappointment, as the Europeans staged an exceptional comeback in Ryder Cup history – “the Miracle at Medinah” – clinching a 14.5-13.5 victory.
That week profoundly influenced Bradley. He retained his suitcase packed from 2012, sharing its existence on social media 11 years later after the disappointment of not being chosen for the 2023 team in Rome.
In 2014, Bradley gained another opportunity as a captain’s selection, yet it proved to be a relatively uncompetitive affair for the Americans. He participated in the opening two sessions, remained inactive on Day 2, and encountered defeat in the decisive singles match against Jamie Donaldson, who celebrated by raising his arms and being embraced by his European colleagues upon clinching the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles with a 5&3 win.
Bradley harbored hopes for a different outcome in the future. Over a decade later, that future has yet to materialize. Instead, he has become part of Ryder Cup stories. Neither his alliance with Mickelson nor his fervor and dedication for the event have been frequently replicated.
In 2023, Bradley succeeded in reintroducing his name into Ryder Cup discussions, receiving serious consideration for selection, nine years after his previous opportunity. Several victories that season invigorated his candidacy, placing the decision in the hands of then-captain Zach Johnson regarding whether to select Bradley, who was positioned 11th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings.
Johnson’s choice to exclude Bradley from the team – opting for three players ranked lower who Johnson deemed better suited due to interpersonal relationships – was captured on camera for all golf enthusiasts to observe during the inaugural season of the “Full Swing” documentary. Bradley experienced substantial emotional distress.
Ironically, if not for Johnson’s decision and Bradley’s resulting reaction, the PGA of America may not have designated the latter as the American captain in 2025. This circumstance amplified the significance of his Wednesday announcement.
“I aspired to participate in Ryder Cups from my formative years,” Bradley recounted. “I yearned to compete alongside these individuals. It disheartened me not to participate [in 2023]. It genuinely did. One dedicates their efforts to securing positions on these teams, yet, ultimately, I was entrusted with a responsibility. I was chosen to serve as the team’s leader. My foremost objective at the outset was to excel as the captain. This selection reflects how I perceived my capacity to fulfill that role.
“Had we arrived at this juncture and I perceived that the team would benefit from my inclusion, I was prepared to do so. I was poised to pursue any course of action that I deemed optimal for the team. I possess absolute certainty that this is the correct decision, and these six individuals performed exceptionally well approaching the culmination, significantly simplifying my task.”
Bradley demonstrated sufficient capability to merit inclusion on the 2023 team, and his performance warranted selection for the 2025 team, as he once again concluded the season in 11th position, securing two victories. The solitary counsel advising against his participation originated from his own rationale.
This action exemplifies a degree of selflessness rarely encountered in sports, notably in individually focused disciplines such as golf. Bradley repressed his personal aspirations and summoned the strength of conviction.
“I’m aware of his disappointment, and I believe we all share in that sentiment,” commented captain’s selection Justin Thomas. “However, I’d also argue that his guidance leading us to triumph would surpass any involvement he could have as a player, a sentiment he likely concurs with. Consequently, we hold complete confidence in his judgment and harbor no reservations.”
No individual would have criticized Bradley for selecting himself for the team. (Indeed, many are baffled by his decision not to.) He rightfully earned it through performance, experience, and motivation.
Even from the sidelines, Bradley will command attention from Sept. 26-28 as the central figure of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
His association with this event may have faced uncertainties in recent years, but his objectives remain transparent. His primary concern lies with the United States defeating Europe.
Bradley maintains that the Americans’ optimal chance of success lies in his management of the proceedings without personally participating. That conviction and confidence in the talent of his team should serve as inspiration for the 12 players he will be leading into competition.
“I hold no concern regarding the final outcome,” Bradley affirmed. “Victory on Sunday remains my sole aspiration.”
