In a shocking Ryder Cup reversal, Keegan Bradley has been picked as America’s subsequent captain, lower than one 12 months after he was controversially snubbed from the group altogether amid the nation’s ‘boys membership’ controversy.
The 38-year-old was on Monday named as the person to steer Crew USA at Bethpage Black in 2025 after Tiger Woods reportedly turned down the position.
It was a shock announcement to ship shockwaves by means of the PGA Tour given Bradley’s tortured historical past with the occasion, through which he has solely featured in twice.
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Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship winner, was a controversial omission final 12 months, neglected by then-captain Zach Johnson who chosen recognized pals Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Ricky Fowler amongst his picks, in addition to Scottie Scheffler’s shut pal Sam Burns.
Bradley was ranked eleventh within the US standings however didn’t make the minimize for the 12-player group that was in the end trounced in Rome, resulting in Johnson turning into a determine of ridicule within the US, together with at this 12 months’s Masters.
Johnson’s rejection name to Bradley was captured on Netflix’s Full Swing, exhibiting in excruciating element how a lot the snub damage the American veteran.
The documentary went on to point out that Bradley nonetheless hasn’t unpacked his suitcase from the 2012 Ryder Cup, haunted by the reminiscences of slim defeat at Medinah.
“The Ryder Cup means a lot to Keegan,” his spouse Jill says. “And he’ll say it’s a few of the finest and absolute worst reminiscences of his life.
“He simply by no means unpacked (the suitcase). I believe it’s simply the considered opening it, reliving the grief of how that ended, was simply type of an excessive amount of to bear.”
Now, with Johnson not returning to the position, Bradley has a shot at final redemption by main America on house soil subsequent 12 months.
As issues stand, Bradley is ranked 18th within the US and is battling to qualify for this 12 months’s Presidents Cup. However, as captain subsequent 12 months, he has the posh of with the ability to choose himself for the Ryder Cup, ought to he so select.
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His elevation to captain has been met with widespread reward from specialists within the US, who consider Bradley’s ardour makes him an appropriate decide to steer the nation.
“What a terrific transfer from the PGA of America,” wrote main US golf journalist Dan Rapaport.
“Keegan will convey unbelievable power and method the captaincy from a distinct perspective as he’s nonetheless an elite participant. He’s a younger man who’s nice with media and he’ll assault this chance.”
He added: “Can also’t ignore the optimistic PR after final 12 months’s drama was aired throughout Netflix. Nice stuff throughout and main credit score for pondering outdoors the field.”
The Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis stated Bradley’s appointment was a “sport changer” for the US, whereas CBS’s Kyle Porter stated he’s “all the best way in on” the star as captain.
“It’s somewhat wild, however I really like the PGA mixing it up and taking an opportunity,” Porter wrote.
“It clearly may go very (very) badly, however that’s at all times true with a Ryder Cup captain. And Keegan isn’t scared of private or group vulnerability or massive moments.
“He really, deeply cares, which isn’t a given. And caring — amongst many different issues — is definitely a a lot better cause to pick a captain than profession resume.”
Bradley’s appointment, and final 12 months’s humbling in Rome, means there can be extra intrigue than ever on america captain’s picks subsequent 12 months.
Final 12 months’s picks noticed the group labelled because the US “Boys Membership” with Johnson accused of exhibiting favouritism in direction of pals of gamers who had mechanically certified.
It’s value noting, nevertheless, that Johnson, Spieth and Thomas all sit on the PGA of America committee that had a significant position in electing Bradley as captain.
In taking the highest job, nevertheless, Bradley solely spoke of his enthusiasm for the occasion.
“My ardour and appreciation for golf’s biggest group occasion have by no means been stronger,” Bradley stated on Monday.
“The Ryder Cup is not like another competitors in our sport, and this version will undoubtedly be notably particular given the wealthy historical past and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course.”
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Woods was lengthy assumed to be the frontrunner for the job, however a number of US experiences Monday stated he had opted out of rivalry.
PGA of America President John Lindert stated: “Keegan’s previous Ryder Cup expertise, sturdy relationships and unwavering ardour for this occasion will show invaluable as he guides the US Crew over the subsequent 12 months and a half.
“We’re assured that, with Keegan on the helm, the 2025 US Ryder Cup Crew will compete at Bethpage with the identical confidence and dedication that has outlined his profession.”