Phil Mickelson has backed the “surprise” resolution to nominate former Ryder Cup companion Keegan Bradley as Crew USA captain for the 2025 contest at Bethpage Black.
Bradley was introduced as Zach Johnson’s successor for subsequent yr’s contest after Tiger Woods turned down the function, with the 38-year-old having the duty of regaining the trophy following Europe’s 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome final September.
The previous main champion received three matches with Mickelson within the 2012 ‘Miracle at Medinah’ defeat and likewise featured within the 2014 loss at Gleneagles, earlier than controversially being missed for a wild card final yr regardless of two PGA Tour wins that season.
Stewart Cink and Fred {Couples} – vice-captains underneath Johnson in 2023 – had been considered as extra possible candidates earlier than Bradley was supplied the function, a call he admitted got here “out of the blue”, with Mickelson happy to see his former team-mate given the captaincy.
“I was surprised at the pick, and I think it’s a great pick the more I think about it,” Mickelson instructed the media forward of the LIV Golf Andalucia occasion. “He performed a whole lot of golf at Bethpage when he went to St. John’s [University].
Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley fashioned a formidable partnership throughout the first two days of the 2012 Ryder Cup
“His ardour for the Ryder Cup is larger than simply about any participant I’ve ever seen. His love for the Ryder Cup is greater than anyone I do know. I feel he’ll lead with that kind of ardour.
“I think he’s incredible. I’m really, really happy for him. I think we all are really happy for him, knowing how gut-wrenching it was to not be part of the team last year. To now have the opportunity to lead and go forward I think is great.”
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Paul McGinley discusses what his ideas had been when Keegan Bradley was introduced as US captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup and the way he believes he’ll do within the new function.
DeChambeau: Bradley taking the ‘proper strategy’
Bradley believes enjoying often on the PGA Tour will assist make up for an absence of captaincy expertise, having by no means served as a part of a Ryder Cup backroom group, though insisted he wouldn’t choose himself if he did not qualify robotically.
He additionally confirmed that he needs “the best 12 players” on his group subsequent yr and was “not worried about the LIV stuff”, as talks proceed between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding fund – who bankroll the LIV Golf League – to unify the boys’s recreation.
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Schauffele says he is pleased for newly introduced Crew USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and admits he is aware of the previous PGA champion might be over the moon.
Brooks Koepka was the one participant from LIV Golf to characteristic for Crew USA in Rome, with US Open Bryson DeChambeau – who featured within the 2018 and 2021 Ryder Cups earlier than failing to qualify final yr – supporting Bradley’s stance.
“I’m excited for him,” DeChambeau stated. “I think it’s a great opportunity for him, especially as it relates to younger players. He’s going to see that younger threshold, and obviously relate to them a lot more, I would say, because of his age.
“He is seeing the youthful technology recreation. He is on the market nonetheless enjoying and competing and it is nice to have some relatability. So far as choosing one of the best gamers, that is the correct strategy and I could not be extra pleased for him as captain.”
Sky Sports will continue to be the home of the Ryder Cup, with all three days of the 2025 exclusively live from September 26-28 next year. Stream the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and extra with NOW.
