Jordan Spieth recognizes that Keegan Bradley’s recent performance could secure Bradley a place on the 2025 Team USA Ryder Cup roster, possibly reducing Spieth’s chances to make the team. As the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on Long Island draws nearer, players on the edge of selection need to raise their game to claim one of the limited spots.

Spieth, who has played in every Team USA Ryder Cup since 2014 and helped win twice, faces a tough season marked by injuries and inconsistency that might leave him outside automatic qualification. Reflecting on his situation during an interview with Kay Adams, Spieth humorously admitted he hopes Bradley doesn’t keep surging, so Spieth can secure a captain’s pick.

Spieth’s Take on Bradley’s Ryder Cup Prospects and Team Impact

This season has seen Spieth struggle to earn enough points to make the team outright, meaning he will likely depend on a captain’s selection. Despite that, he respects Bradley’s current form and believes Bradley deserves to be on the Ryder Cup squad if he remains among the top American players.

“As of right now, if he’s playing as a top 12 American player then he should be on that team in my opinion,”

Spieth told Adams.

“… If this guy’s going to be one of the best 10 players at that tournament, which is how he’s playing right now, then of course you want him on the team. And that’s me saying that, and I want him not to be because it opens up a pick for me maybe. For the betterment of the team, I think he deserves it right now, and I hope to go steal one of those picks away from him.”

While Spieth joked about hoping Bradley slows down, he emphasized that the team’s success should remain the priority, accepting that Bradley’s play currently puts him in a prime position for selection. Interestingly, no player has served as a Ryder Cup playing captain since 1963, adding a layer of intrigue to discussions about leadership and selection.

Bradley’s Rise in Ryder Cup Points and its Effect on Spieth

Bradley’s surging form contributes directly to his Ryder Cup contention, with recent successes boosting his points and standing. His strides include top-10 finishes at the PGA Championship and the Memorial Tournament, capped by a victory at the Travelers Championship, which is regarded as a major event among the PGA Tour schedule.

These notable performances have propelled Bradley into contention as one of the top Americans, making it challenging for hopefuls like Spieth to secure a place. Bradley also performed strongly at The Open Championship and maintained a solid showing during the FedEx Cup playoffs, further bolstering his claim.

According to Spieth, Bradley is supportive yet extremely competitive, even jesting about how Bradley’s success sometimes costs him precious Ryder Cup points.

“He and I were both contending a few weeks ago,”

Spieth recalled.

“And on the 18th hole, he’s like, he’s always trying to pump me up. He’s like, ‘All right, keep this going kid. Keep this going, kid. We want ya. We want you on that team. Keep it going. Keep it going.’”

“And I’m like, Well stop stealing points away from me, man. We just tied this tournament. if you want that, just miss that 5-footer you just made, and I’ll get more points. Like, he’s selfish. He’s selfish. … He just goes out there and wins.”

The Challenge of Balancing Personal Goals with Team Selection

Bradley has publicly said he would not select himself if given the choice by a captain, but maintaining such a stance will be tough given his current rankings as the world’s No. 7 player. His strong play naturally makes it difficult to leave him off the final roster for the Ryder Cup team despite Spieth’s established history and desire to compete.

For Spieth, who hopes to find his form by the time the team selection process is finalized, Bradley’s performance presents both a challenge and a motivation. The ongoing race to make Team USA highlights the intense and sometimes uncertain nature of Ryder Cup contention, particularly as the event approaches and every point counts.

This dynamic between two veterans emphasizes how individual ambitions intersect with team goals in one of golf’s most prestigious competitions, setting the stage for an intense buildup to 2025 at Bethpage Black.