Keegan Bradley is set to name his six captain’s picks for the 2025 Ryder Cup on Wednesday, a decision that could crown him the first playing U.S. captain since Arnold Palmer guided the side to victory in 1963 at East Lake. The 2025 Ryder Cup returns to Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, Sept. 26-28, and Bradley faces the balancing act of leading the team while remaining an active competitor.
The United States currently counts six players on points toward the team for Bethpage Black: world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun, two-time major champion Xander Schauffele, and veterans Russell Henley and Harris English, along with LIV Golf captain Bryson DeChambeau. Bradley and his vice captains will fill the remaining spots, aiming to rebound from a 16½-11½ loss to Europe in 2023 outside Rome.
Europe’s captain Luke Donald will reveal his six picks on Sept. 1, with a strong core already set that includes Masters winner Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Højgaard, and Tyrrell Hatton.
Tier I: Locks to make the team
– Justin Thomas: The two-time PGA Championship winner earned a fourth Ryder Cup appearance largely on the strength of this season’s results, including a recent RBC Heritage victory that snapped a nearly three-year win drought. Thomas is renowned for his match-play record (17-7-4 in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup) and will bring valuable experience to Bethpage. He’ll have a different dynamic on the course this time, as his close friend Jordan Spieth will not be on the team.
– Patrick Cantlay: Cantlay sits 15th in Ryder Cup standings and 23rd in the world, with no tour win in more than three years. Yet his proven match-play pedigree remains a selling point (5-2-1 in Ryder Cups, 10-4-0 in Presidents Cup). He played a key role in Rome’s loss two years ago and brings steady nerve and consistency, along with strong strokes-gained metrics this season.
Tier II: Should be on the team
– Keegan Bradley: Bradley finished 11th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings and has been central to the selection drama this week. After saying he would consider playing only if automatic, he reversed course after winning the Travelers Championship and has been in contention in majors this season. His track record and familiarity with Bethpage’s slate and conditions fuel the argument for a captain’s pick, and several peers have publicly supported his inclusion.
– Cameron Young: A recent Wyndham Championship winner who has climbed into Ryder Cup contention, Young is one of the tour’s longer players, a factor at Bethpage Black. He sits among the longer hitters in the field and would bring elite distance to the lineup, though his iron play has drawn some scrutiny; his putting has become a strength.
Tier III: On the bubble
– Collin Morikawa: A two-time major champion with six PGA Tour wins, Morikawa’s form has waned in recent seasons. Still, his team-success resume (10-5-1 in Ryder Cup/Presidents Cup) makes him a plausible choice if Bradley values experience and proven under-pressure performance.
– Sam Burns: A premier putter and one of the tour’s best in strokes gained: putting, Burns could be a weapon on the greens. His distance and approach performance have been more uneven, but his late-season form has kept him squarely in the mix.
– Ben Griffin: Griffin’s breakthrough year includes a Zurich Classic win with a partner and a strong run of results that put him in the Race to Dubai-like mix for a captain’s pick. He’s been a consistent contributor in big moments this season, and he has the Ryder Cup nerves to handle Bethpage’s high-stakes atmosphere.
Tier IV: Outside looking in
– Brian Harman: A proven match-play talent with a strong putting profile, Harman is a former Open champion and Ryder Cup rookie who made a late run but didn’t secure a playoff push this season.
– Maverick McNealy: Rising star who has climbed into the top ranks and claimed his first PGA Tour win, McNealy provides depth and youth to the pool.
– Andrew Novak: A breakout performer who joined the Ryder Cup standings through solid showings, Novak showed flashes of potential that keep him on the fringe of consideration.
Note: Quotes and specifics in this context reflect the ongoing discussions and performances that shape Bradley’s decision. Burns has publicly expressed trust in Bradley’s judgment, while many peers view Bradley as one of the top Americans in current form.
Commentary and outlook
– Bradley’s potential to serve as a playing captain would mark a historic return to the role last done by Arnold Palmer in 1963. If he chooses himself, it would underscore his leadership and belief in his own game on a challenging Bethpage layout.
– The Bethpage Black course demands a mix of distance, accuracy, and gritty flooring on the greens. Young and Morikawa bring different strengths, while Thomas and Cantlay offer proven big-match temperament. The possibilities for pairing combinations will be scrutinized, especially given Spieth’s absence and the need for a balanced mix of veterans and dynamic newcomers.
– The U.S. team will need a blend of consistency and momentum entering September, with Bradley having the opportunity to shape a squad that can respond to European vigor under Luke Donald.
Summary
Keegan Bradley is poised to finalize a Ryder Cup lineup that could include himself as a playing captain. With six automatic qualifiers already secured on points, the remaining captain’s picks will focus on balance, experience, and form heading into Bethpage Black. The potential mix features a blend of established match-play talents and promising younger players, aiming to restore American momentum on home soil.
Positive note
If the final selection succeeds in combining leadership with peak performance, the United States could harness a strong home-field rhythm at Bethpage, creating a confident, unified team as they aim to reclaim Ryder Cup momentum.