Keegan Bradley resisted the chance to select himself as one of Team USA’s six captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup 2025 in a major surprise.
Bradley, the No. 11 player in the official world golf rankings, has enjoyed a fabulous season, winning at the Travelers Championship to deny Europe stalwart Tommy Fleetwood and eventually finished seventh in the FedEx Cup standings, while sitting 11th in the points standings.
But despite speculation suggesting he would select himself, Bradley opted against creating history and rounded out his 12-player team with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns.
“The decision was made a while ago,” Bradley said. “The last 48 hours, the team was set, it was a really tough decision, there was a point when I was playing.”
Rory McIlroy had rejected the notion that somebody could effectively be the captain and a player in the iconic competition, but Bradley will not test that view and instead focus on motivating his players at Bethpage Black next month.
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Ryder Cup 2025 - Keegan Bradley set to confirm Team USA captain's picks
- USA aim to win back Ryder Cup from Europe at Bethpage Black next month
- Luke Donald back to lead Europe in iconic competition, starting 26 September
- Bradley selects Thomas and Morikawa as first two captain's picks
- Bradley adds rookies Griffin and Young to team
- Bradley resists picking himself as playing captain with Burns named as final pick
Keegan Bradley picks two rookies to round out Team USA for Ryder Cup 2025
17:01
,
Jack Rathborn
A quick reminder of Keegan Bradley’s final Team USA for the Ryder Cup 2025:
- 1. Scottie Scheffler
- 2. JJ Spaun (rookie)
- 3. Xander Schauffele
- 4. Russell Henley (rookie)
- 5. Harris English
- 6. Bryson De Chambeau
- 7. Justin Thomas*
- 8. Collin Morikawa*
- 9. Ben Griffin* (rookie)
- 10. Cameron Young* (rookie)
- 11. Patrick Cantlay*
- 12. Sam Burns*
*Captain’s pick
Keegan Bradley on President Donald Trump wanting him as a playing captain
16:58
,
Jack Rathborn
“That was surreal, I’ve been blown away by the support, when you get the support of the President, it’s surreal, I appreciate it, I hope you’re not disappointed,” Bradley says.
“I look forward to seeing you at the Ryder Cup, when you see that, you wonder how you got to that point your life, I was deeply honoured that he said that.”
Keegan Bradley on fighting urge to be a playing captain
16:56
,
Jack Rathborn
“We made some calls, I’d rather keep that to ourselves,” Bradley says when asked how many calls he made.
“I knew at the back of my mind I just wanted to be the captain, but again, I wanted to do what’s best for the team.
“Continuing at a very high level, I’d have done that. But I truly believed I had to be the captain. I want to leave this process that I did everything I could as a captain, I was worried if I was playing I might not be able to do that.”
Keegan Bradley on data used to make six captain's picks
16:52
,
Jack Rathborn
“We look mostly at who has the lowest score at the end of tournaments,” Bradley says.
“How they would get on at Bethpage, but we want to see them win, the data and analytics won’t matter on the first tee when there are 40,000 fans screaming at you.
“We want guys who can handle the moment and go out and win points.”
Keegan Bradley on lessons learned from growing up in New England
16:51
,
Jack Rathborn
“Growing up in New England, I had a short season and no time to waste, I didn’t want to waste any time, it’s the greatest honour of my lifetime,” Bradley says.
“Everyone will put all they have into the success of this Ryder Cup.
“I had no experience, so I went about this the way I like a team to be run. I leaned on other athletes, this was an off choice, this did this for a reason, so I thought I’ll do this how I think is best.
“One of my favourite things has been getting to know the guys better. The way they handle themselves and care for one another. The way I look at opponents, but they care about one another. I’m really grateful for that.”
Keegan Bradley on leaving out Maverick McNealy
16:46
,
Jack Rathborn
“Very, very difficult call, to call Mav, incredible kid, played well all year long, I was very up front with the guys before,” Bradley said.
“It’s difficult to get a pick in your first event, I’m impressed with his game, I said it’s OK to be angry. You can use this as fuel. Be angry with me and make the next. team.
“I advised to do that and he made a great run, it was a really tough decision.”
Keegan Bradley on deciding format for Ryder Cup 2025
16:44
,
Jack Rathborn
“You look at the data, the team, getting off to a good start, most hosts do alternative format, but our scouts and analysts got together,” Bradley says, with foursomes in the morning and fourballs in the afternoon on Friday and Saturday.
“You run a million different scenarios. It was actually pretty easy.
“If I felt like I needed to play in this team to win, I would have, it was inspiring to see how well these guys played down the stretch. I’ve been in this situation, it’s like Q school every round, it’s horrible.
“You wake up and know it’s a really important round to show the captain. They played some of the best golf of their careers. I’m extremely proud.”
Keegan Bradley relieved to focus on supporting 12 USA players
16:41
,
Jack Rathborn
“Every single guy I called, they were so great, it was great to hear,” Bradley says.
“I experienced only my calls, and I was pissed, but they were friendly.
“Monday was tough for me, I was alongside the guys who did not make the team, but you quickly realise, what a dream to be a Ryder Cup captain, for these 12 guys, I know them so well.
“I showed up at St John’s as a kid, never dreaming of being a Ryder Cup captain, but that’s most important, I don’t care how it works out, as long as we win on Sunday.
“It’s a relief, to focus on this and cheer these guys on.”
Keegan Bradley on 'ruining the dreams' of USA players
16:38
,
Jack Rathborn
“I kept imagining what it was like when I got those calls,” Bradley says.
“I realised I would ruin the dreams of a couple guys, it broke my heart. I’m calling guys I’ll see at the golf course the next day. I’ll be around them for years to come.
“It was short, sweet, to the point, it was really tough. The toughest day of my captaincy for sure.
"We waited until after the Tour Championship, we had a good idea, all the guys we had our eyes on, they played great, which made it a lot easier.”
Keegan Bradley on not playing at Ryder Cup 2025
16:37
,
Jack Rathborn
“I was interested in being the best captain I could be,” Bradley says.
“I don’t care if I play or don’t play, as long as we win on Sunday.
“This is the decision that I’ve made, it’s got so much hype, but the Ryder Cup is a big deal, apparently.”
Justin Thomas on Keegan Bradley not selecting himself as a playing captain
16:33
,
Jack Rathborn
“Keegan said it perfectly, it’ll be said so many times, Keegan did and continues to do what’s best for the team,” Thomas says.
“It’s been really cool process, as a player, everyone does it so differently, the communication, how transparent he’s been.
“It’s not something that we’ve experienced before. Guys hearing things they would not be expected to hear. He’s been in their shoes, being in the dark, not knowing where you are, how he’s approached the captaincy, do everything as well as he’s possibly can.
“He’s gutted, a lot of us are gutted for him. We have all the faith in the world in him and don’t doubt him for that.”
Keegan Bradley on Rory McIlroy's comments that he could not do both jobs
16:28
,
Jack Rathborn
“I am not worried about what they do or say,” Bradley says.
“Not sure how he would know if it is not possible, nobody has ever done it, I wish I could call Palmer.
“It’s a different animal now to the 60s, they can make comments on what I can or cannot do.
“I was confident if I did play, vice captains to lean on. This was the decision I thought was best.”
Keegan Bradley on why he didn't pick himself as USA playing captain
16:26
,
Jack Rathborn
“The decision was made a while ago. The last 48 hours, the team was set, it was a really tough decision, there was a point when I was playing,” Bradley says.
“These guys stepped up and played their way onto the team, I’m extremely proud of that, it was a difficult decision, but one I’m happy with.
“I’m glad it’s over. I grew up wanting to play in Ryder Cups, it broke my heart not to play, you work forever to make these teams, but I was chosen to do a job.
“This was the way I could be the best captain, if the team was better with me on it, I’d do that. I know 100 percent, this is the right choice.
“They played incredibly down the stretch to make my decision easier.”
Keegan Bradley selects Sam Burns as sixth captain's pick
16:22
,
Jack Rathborn
“He’s the best putter on the planet, he has extreme competitive fire,” Bradley says of Burns.
“We love to have Sam on our side with that putter.”
USA team for Ryder Cup 2025
- 1. Scottie Scheffler
- 2. JJ Spaun
- 3. Xander Schauffele
- 4. Russell Henley
- 5. Harris English
- 6. Bryson De Chambeau
- 7. Justin Thomas
- 8. Collin Morikawa
- 9. Ben Griffin
- 10. Cameron Young
- 11. Patrick Cantlay
- 12. Sam Burns
Patrick Cantlay on the meaning of representing USA
16:21
,
Jack Rathborn
“These team events, some of my best memories playing golf in my whole life,” Cantlay says.
“They mean everything to me, some of my favourite parts of the year is putting points on the board for my teammates.
“It’s his passion, it’s palpable, everyone involved can tell how dedicated he is. How to compete and give us the best chance to win, how you have that dedication and passion, it’s easier to buy in and fight for our common goal.
“I have a lot of admiration for how Keegan has gone about it.”
Keegan Bradley selects Patrick Cantlay as fifth captain's pick
16:20
,
Jack Rathborn
“One of the grestest pleasures has been getting to know Patrick better,” Bradley says.
“He was born for the Ryder Cup, this is where he thrives, it’s where we need him. We’ll rely on him heavily at Bethpage.”
Cam Young on making USA team at Ryder Cup
16:17
,
Jack Rathborn
“We should have some solid support out there, playing for your country is special, New York is home for me, somewhere I love,” Young says.
“I can’t wait to get out there. Hopefully I’ll have some support out there.
“He [Young’s Dad] puts in as many hours as I do, he’s with me every step of the way.
“It’s been on our radar for a long time, to play in a Ryder Cup, it’s hard to put into words what it means for us.”
Keegan Bradley selects Cam Young as fourth captain's pick
16:16
,
Jack Rathborn
“He’s been fighting so hard for that win, he’s a New Yorker, he won the New York State Open at Bethpage Black, he pounds the golf ball.
“He’s so consistent, we’re proud to have a New Yorker on this team.”
USA team for Ryder Cup 2025
- 1. Scottie Scheffler
- 2. JJ Spaun
- 3. Xander Schauffele
- 4. Russell Henley
- 5. Harris English
- 6. Bryson De Chambeau
- 7. Justin Thomas
- 8. Collin Morikawa
- 9. Ben Griffin
- 10. Cameron Young
Ben Griffin on receiving the call from Keegan Bradley
16:15
,
Jack Rathborn
“I’m ready to fight for points at Bethpage,” says Griffin.
“It’s the biggest honour of all time, representing the USA, that phone call could have gone either way.
“He voiced early on, good phone calls and bad phone calls, you have to leave no doubt. That call, a lot of emotions and anxiety.”
Keegan Bradley selects Ben Griffin as third captain's pick
16:14
,
Jack Rathborn
Bradley on Griffin: “He’s extremely confident, burst onto the scene, I’m proud of him for making this team, he was consistent, we’re lucky to have him on this team.”
USA team for Ryder Cup 2025
- 1. Scottie Scheffler
- 2. JJ Spaun
- 3. Xander Schauffele
- 4. Russell Henley
- 5. Harris English
- 6. Bryson De Chambeau
- 7. Justin Thomas
- 8. Collin Morikawa
- 9. Ben Griffin
Collin Morikawa on difficulty of competing in the Ryder Cup
16:13
,
Jack Rathborn
“You have to play great golf, we know what we have to do,” Morikawa says.
“You have to hit great shots, make great putts, use everyone around you. One dominant win and one beatdown loss, it’s who made the putts and who won the point at the end of the day. How you walk away with that point at the end of the match.”
Keegan Bradley selects Collin Morikawa as second captain's pick
16:11
,
Jack Rathborn
Bradley on Morikawa: “He’s one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met, incredible ball striker and will do whatever it takes for us to win.”
USA team for Ryder Cup 2025
- 1. Scottie Scheffler
- 2. JJ Spaun
- 3. Xander Schauffele
- 4. Russell Henley
- 5. Harris English
- 6. Bryson De Chambeau
- 7. Justin Thomas
- 8. Collin Morikawa
Justin Thomas on what USA teammates can expect at Ryder Cup
16:10
,
Jack Rathborn
“I would say to the others to be themselves, they’ve been picked for a reason, be ready and enjoy, it’ll be a crazy and wild week,” Thomas says.
“What I love about playing for USA, what happened last year is what it is, there’s deep competition every year, I really enjoy them.
“I’ve developed some unbelievable friendships. We’re battling for each other, not just yourself.”
Keegan Bradley selects Justin Thomas as first captain's pick
16:08
,
Jack Rathborn
Bradley on Thomas as his first pick: “He's the heartbeat of our team, he had an amazing win at RBC this year, the fifth player in the world. He’s born for this.”
Keegan Bradley on Bryson DeChambeau
16:07
,
Jack Rathborn
Bradley says: “A lot to say about Bryson, incredible to qualify for this from eight starts, the effort to unify this team, travel to go out of his way, he's gone above and beyond.
“He’s put in the extra effort and it’s amazing to see.”
Keegan Bradley on Scottie Scheffler
16:06
,
Jack Rathborn
“There’s so much to say about Scottie Scheffler,” Bradley says.
“He won 10 percent of the total points available, a natural born leader.
“I’m more impressed with him as the person, and he’s an incredible player.”
Keegan Bradley on the biggest surprise as USA captain
16:05
,
Jack Rathborn
"It's been the most incredible year of my life, my favourite year as a professional, I cherish most the support I got from the fans,” says Bradley, we’re almost underway.
“Gas stations, restaurants, I never thought about that, it's the biggest surprise and I'll remember that for the rest of my life.”
How can I watch Bradley announce captain's picks for Ryder Cup?
16:02
,
Jack Rathborn
Keegan Bradley will confirm his six captain’s picks for Team USA at this year’s Ryder Cup at 11 a.m. ET (4pm BST).
Bradley will be at the home of the PGA of America, Frisco, Texas and you can watch along on the USA’s Ryder Cup social channels, Ryder Cup YouTube, RyderCup.com, and the Ryder Cup App for iOS and Android.
Or follow our live blog here and get the latest reaction and analysis.
Will Bradley spring a surprise?
15:58
,
Jack Rathborn
It’s not long now until the wait is over, will Bradley throw a surprise?
If he announces himself as a playing captain, does he do so immediately, or will he relish the suspense and leave himself to last?
It should be a fascinating moment for American golf, it looks like at least one player will consider themselves unlucky.
Ben Griffin (third American over last three months) has been superb, as has Cam Young (fourth American over last three months), surely neither can be left out?
Strokes gained moving averages (50 rounds):
- Griffin: +1.89
- Young: +1.84
- Burns: +1.45
- Keegan: +1.34
US Ryder Cup team – captain's picks
15:51
,
Lawrence Ostlere
If Bradley selects Thomas, Morikawa, Cantlay, Griffin and Burns, that leaves only one place left on the team. Cameron Young knows Bethpage Black well and has come into some form of late, while there are more experienced options to call upon like Brooks Koepka or Jordan Spieth.
The big question, of course, is whether Keegan Bradley will pick himself. And if he does, how will that work in practice?
US Ryder Cup team – captain's picks
15:47
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Ben Griffin has enjoyed an excellent season with two PGA Tour wins and plenty of high finishes, and perhaps the only thing holding the 29-year-old back is a lack of experience. Sam Burns played well in the FedEx Cup play-offs to give himself a good chance of being selected, and his Ryder Cup previous may help him secure a spot despite an up-and-down season.
US Ryder Cup team – captain's picks
15:42
,
Lawrence Ostlere
We have a pretty good idea about some of Bradley’s picks. He invited Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa to dinner with the six automatic qualifiers, so those look like two names in the book. Patrick Cantlay has bags of experience and showed strong form at the Tour Championship on the weekend, finishing tied second behind Tommy Fleetwood.
Thomas and Cantlay favourites for captain's picks
15:33
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Here’s who Betway think are going to be picked for the US Ryder Cup team. Keegan Bradley is right on the cut line...
Justin Thomas - 1/12
Patrick Cantlay - 1/4
Ben Griffin - 2/5
Collin Morikawa - 4/9
Sam Burns - 4/7
Cameron Young - 8/13
Keegan Bradley - 8/11
Maverick McNealy - 11/8
Brooks Koepka - 6/4
Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler - 3/1
Jordan Spieth - 4/1
Tony Finau - 5/1
Brian Harman - 9/1
Two years ago: Raised tempers in Rome
15:28
,
Lawrence Ostlere
A reminder of the chaos that erupted in Rome two years ago, centred around Rory McIlroy. This year’s battle is bound to be feisty.
Tom Watson warns Keegan Bradley over playing captain role
15:13
,
Jack Rathborn
“I could not have been a player-captain and the reason very simply is the scheduling, because the captain has to have his pairings in for the afternoon matches by 11am,” Tom Watson told the Times.
“The last two morning matches are going on for sure and you want to have the latitude to say this player is not playing well. For instance, in 1993, Paul Azinger got blown out in his first match and I thought, ‘I’m going to sit Paul and let him recoup’. I had to make that decision, and if I was playing in a match, what a huge distraction that would have been. You can’t do it. You can’t be both.”
Ryder Cup 2025 odds
15:03
,
Jack Rathborn
To win Ryder Cup 2025
- USA 4/5
- Draw 11/8
- Europe 11/1
Odds via Betfair
Graeme McDowell still holds Ryder Cup ambition
14:55
,
Jack Rathborn
"Jon Rahm asked me earlier this year if I was asked to be a vice-captain at Bethpage Black would I accept it. I replied if they asked me to make coffees for you - I would go and make coffees," McDowell told BBC Sport.
"That's how much it means to me and how much I want to be there in a supporting role for Team Europe.
"It goes without saying as we look towards Adare Manor in two years' time I would do anything to be in that European team room, to be part of that team, to put that team Europe shirt on one more time, to have the badge on my chest, to cheer the guys on and help Europe win another Ryder Cup. I hope to be there."
USA contenders for Ryder Cup wildcard picks
14:45
,
Jack Rathborn
- Justin Thomas
- Collin Morikawa
- Ben Griffin (rookie)
- Maverick McNealy (rookie)
- Keegan Bradley
- Brian Harman
- Andrew Novak (rookie)
- Cameron Young (rookie)
- Patrick Cantlay
- Sam Burns
Keegan Bradley teases 'controversial' captain's picks for 2025 Ryder Cup
14:35
,
Jack Rathborn
"It's a really strange thing to kind of ponder," Bradley said at last week's Tour Championship. "Making the picks and thinking of picking yourself is ridiculous, it doesn't seem like reality sometimes.
"We're going to do the best we can to make the right decision and it is going to be controversial to certain people either way. I'm prepared for that.
"I'm confident with whichever decision I make its for the betterment of the team and we'll see."
Final Team Europe standings for 2025 Ryder Cup
14:25
,
Jack Rathborn
Top six players qualify automatically for team. Standings accurate as of 25 August
- 1. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 3489.21 - QUALIFIED
- 2. Robert MacIntyre (SCO) 1709.94 - QUALIFIED
- 3. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 1622.11 - QUALIFIED
- 4. Justin Rose (ENG) 1545.72 - QUALIFIED
- 5. Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN) 1283.56 - QUALIFIED
- 6. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 1279.33 - QUALIFIED
--------------------------------------------------------------------
- 7. Shane Lowry (IRE) 1275.51
- 8. Sepp Straka (AUT) 1264.27
- 9. Ludvig Aberg (SWE) 1140.44
- 10. Viktor Hovland (NOR) 1031.34
- 11. Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG) 899.53
- 12. Matt Wallace (ENG) 881.12
- 13. Thomas Detry (BEL) 817.19
- 14. Marco Penge (ENG) 810.38
- 15. Aaron Rai (ENG) 754.86
- 16. Jordan Smith (ENG) 738.84
- 17. Harry Hall (ENG) 703.38
- 18. Nicolai Højgaard (DEN) 681.26
- 19. Niklas Norgaard (DEN) 651.10
- 20. John Parry (ENG) 643.75
Luke Donald reveals two players causing him ‘headache’ over Ryder Cup wildcard picks
14:15
,
Jack Rathborn
Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has revealed the two players giving him a “headache” as he ponders his wildcard picks for Team Europe in their attempt to retain the trophy at Bethpage Black next month.
“I’m obviously excited about the five that are locked in,” explained Donald in a press conference at the British Masters, where he is teeing it up as a player. “There's a bunch of guys from that 2023 team that are still performing well, the Viktors, Ludwig, Sepp, Shane, Fitzy has been playing really well.
“But you've got some other guys that are trying to force their way on to the team, like Marco [Penge] last week, really tremendous performance, looks very much in control and tough circumstances against a crowd that was.
“Harry Hall has been playing great. There's many others, as well, that obviously are still really on the radar. It always happens in Ryder Cups. People make a push at the end and want to be part of the team. Even though it's a headache for me in terms of how many players are giving themselves a chance it's really a good headache. It's a good opportunity for me to see all these players and how much they really want to be part of it. Yeah, I'm excited to see how these next couple weeks turn out.”
Rory McIlroy reveals he rejected approach to be future playing captain at Ryder Cup
14:05
,
Jack Rathborn
Rory McIlroy has revealed that he has already dismissed the idea of being a playing captain at the Ryder Cup in the future out of hand, believing it to be impossible to balance both roles.
No player has been both skipper and competed in the biennial contest between the United States and Europe since Arnold Palmer in 1963, though Keegan Bradley has suggested he may attempt to do so at Bethpage Black in September.
“I’ve been asked to do that and I’ve turned it down,” McIlroy said. “The idea of me being a playing captain some time soon has come up and I’ve shut it down straight away. I don’t think you can do it.”
Keegan Bradley torn over ‘biggest decision of his life’ surrounding Ryder Cup
13:55
,
Jack Rathborn
“I’m going to be really happy when this week is over, I have about had it with this whole thing. I am ready to figure out what we are doing and get a team together.
“I’m very well aware that no matter what decision I make, I’m going to be defined by it. If we win, it doesn’t matter what I do. I’m fine with that, normally if you win you are the best captain and when you lose you are the worst. I have been a part of teams. This is the biggest decision of my life.”
Final Team USA standings for 2025 Ryder Cup
13:45
,
Jack Rathborn
Top 6 eligible players following the conclusion of the BMW Championship, on 18 August, 2025, have made the team
- 1. Scottie Scheffler 37180.33 - QUALIFIED
- 2. JJ Spaun 14851.91 - QUALIFIED
- 3. Xander Schauffele 13733.52 - QUALIFIED
- 4. Russell Henley 12276.82 - QUALIFIED
- 5. Harris English 10880.55 - QUALIFIED
- 6. Bryson De Chambeau 10774.98 - QUALIFIED
--------------------------------------------------------------------
- 7. Justin Thomas 10467.24
- 8. Collin Morikawa 1049.44
- 9. Ben Griffin 9745.76
- 10. Maverick McNealy 8913.65
- 11. Keegan Bradley 8435.00
- 12. Brian Harman 7466.91
- 13. Andrew Novak 7300.48
- 14. Cameron Young 7209.64
- 15. Patrick Cantlay 6716.39
- 16. Sam Burns 6688.29
- 17. Wyndham Clark 5216.87
- 18. Lucas Glover 4803.44
- 19. Akshay Bhatia 4647.13
- 20. Chris Gotterup 4570.10
Keegan Bradley set to confirm USA's captain picks for Ryder Cup 2025
Tuesday 26 August 2025 17:16
,
Jack Rathborn
Keegan Bradley is ready to confirm his Ryder Cup 2025 captain’s picks for Team USA.
And one of them could be himself, having suffered heartache two years ago when Zach Johnson denied him a place on the team for Rome, in a devastating moment captured in full by Netflix series Full Swing.
This time Bradley holds the power and will announce his six wildcard picks as the USA’s captain at 4pm BST.
Those six players will join Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson De Chambeau at Bethpage Black to take on Europe. Follow all the build-up, news and reaction in what promises to be a dramatic day in golf.