A shocking sequence of events unfolded Monday morning for Team USA. To begin it was reported early that Tiger Woods had turned down the Ryder Cup captaincy. This quickly followed with a discussion of potential replacement candidates for Woods, long thought to be the natural pick such as Stewart Cink.
But the biggest shock was still yet to come. Late in the morning, it was reported that the Ryder Cup committee had made their choice. Keegan Bradley. Yes, the same Keegan Bradley that had made waves last season being left off the Ryder Cup Team bound for Rome. Bradley, 38, had now been chosen to lead the team altogether, rather than play for it.
What Does This Mean For Team USA and Bethpage Black in 2025?
This move is unprecedented by far. Bradley is still in his prime of playing. As stated previously he barely missed making the team as a player last fall, it is incredible to think he will lead the same team into New York next fall. But there is also reason for hesitation to counterpoint the choice itself.
Bradley is highly untested in these types of situations. Although he has played in two Ryder Cups for Team USA in 2012 and 2014, he has no experience at the helm in any such tournament. I would be curious to see which direction he goes in terms of selecting his coaching staff. One possible direction is reuniting with Ryder Cup playing partner Phil Mickelson.
Although Mickelson has been a highly controversial point of conversation in past years. I could see him being a critical asset in Bradley's young captaincy. Another thing to look out for is the possible disbandment of the "boys club." Bradley was left off the team last fall by then-captain Zach Johnson in favor of Justin Thomas.
Thomas, who had not been playing well by any standard of the tournament, was a controversial addition by Johnson over Bradley. This new era of Team USA may be brought forth by Bradley as the best players will play, not the best buddies.
On Tap At The Tee Box
Personally, I love the move. After last fall's trouncing in Rome, Team USA needed something different. I think this is a good type of difference. Bradley is well-respected by his peers. And his love for the Ryder Cup and appreciation of the event is well documented. Bradley still had not opened his suitcase from 2012, citing he would open it when he was part of a victorious Team USA (both teams Bradley played on lost in 2012 and 2014 respectively.)
I am curious to see how this unfolds. Will Bradley throw biases aside and let the best players play? Will we see the likes of Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau? I believe players like Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas will also be tested. I do not believe they will get the hand they have been dealt in the past. Bradley's team is going to feature a new structure. And the best players playing the best golf at that time will defend home soil at Bethpage Black. And maybe finally, Keegan Bradley will get to open that suitcase.
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