Keegan Bradley Faces Critical Decision with Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks Ahead of Bethpage Battle
As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley is preparing to announce his six captain’s picks to complete the American roster for the September event at Bethpage Black in New York. With half the team secured through automatic qualification, Bradley’s selections are stirring anticipation and debate among golf analysts and fans alike.
The United States team, captained by Bradley, includes six automatic qualifiers led by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Other automatic qualifiers include recent major winners like J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, along with consistent performers Russell Henley and Harris English.
With the automatic spots filled, Bradley’s remaining six picks carry significant weight. Not only do these selections have the potential to shape the team’s dynamics, but Bradley himself is a strong contender for a playing spot—the first U.S. playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Bradley’s own form, highlighted by his 2025 Travelers Championship win and steady performance, puts him in the conversation alongside seasoned veterans and promising rookies.
The decision facing Bradley is complex. Should he favor experience, selecting proven Ryder Cup players like Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns, who have Ryder Cup experience but were part of the 2023 losing squad? Or should he inject fresh blood by choosing emerging talents such as Ben Griffin, Maverick McNealy, and Cameron Young to bring new energy and potential to the team? The captain’s dilemma is compounded by his contemplation of selecting himself, a move that would be historic but controversial.
Bradley has publicly acknowledged the difficulty of his choice, emphasizing that his primary concern is the team’s success. “No matter what decision that I make here, I could have gone the other way easily,” Bradley said, underscoring his commitment to the team’s victory in the Ryder Cup. Despite the pressure, he remains focused on making the best decision for the team’s collective performance at Bethpage Black.
Golf analysts and insiders have weighed in with suggestions for Bradley’s picks. The Sports Illustrated golf staff has proposed a blend of experience and youth, including expected selections like Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, alongside younger players like Ben Griffin and Cam Young, who boasts regional familiarity with Bethpage. Patrick Cantlay’s impressive Ryder Cup record and Cam Young’s recent resurgence are also highlighted as compelling reasons to include them.
The timing of the announcement adds to the suspense. Bradley is set to reveal his selections imminently, with many players anxiously awaiting the decision. Some, like Sam Burns, have expressed trust in Bradley’s judgement, expressing readiness to support the team regardless of the final roster composition.
The 2025 Ryder Cup promises high drama not only for the competition itself but also in the lead-up decisions that define the U.S. squad’s potential. As the captain finalizes his picks, the golfing world will watch closely, eager to see whether Bradley’s choices lean conventional or embrace the unconventional, and whether the American team can reclaim Ryder Cup glory on home soil.