Rory McIlroy has revisited his previous stance on the possibility of having a playing captain at the Ryder Cup, expressing cautious optimism about Keegan Bradley’s inclusion in the U.S. team. Speaking ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup, McIlroy acknowledged Bradley as one of the nation’s top players, suggesting his participation could strengthen the U.S. squad.
On July 11, McIlroy delivered an impressive 5-under 65 round at the Genesis Scottish Open, improving his position to tied sixth. With the Open Championship approaching in Northern Ireland and the Ryder Cup scheduled in just a few months, the Northern Irish star shared his thoughts on Bradley’s potential dual role as both player and captain for the American team.
McIlroy Weighs in on Keegan Bradley’s Dual Role at the Ryder Cup
During a post-round interview at The Renaissance Club, McIlroy addressed questions regarding Bradley’s chances of serving as a playing captain – a role McIlroy had previously doubted. Though initially skeptical, he now sees this scenario as intriguing given Bradley’s recent form.
“Hopefully it is impossible,” he jokingly said about his past statement. “Keegan has played great. He’s had a great year. He had the win at the Travelers. Obviously I’m not in those conversations and from an outside perspective, it’s going to be interesting to see what the US Team does with that.
“I definitely think the US Team is better with Keegan playing than not playing. I definitely think he’s one of the best 12 American players right now. It’s going to be an interesting couple months to see how that all shakes out,” he added.
Bradley’s solid performances, including a victory at the Travelers Championship, have positioned him firmly within the top contenders for the U.S. Ryder Cup squad, increasing discussions around his potential captaincy while competing.
Upcoming Ryder Cup Details and Player Considerations
The 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled from September 26 to 28 on the challenging Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. This event often demands strategic leadership and player excellence, and the idea of a playing captain is attracting considerable attention from players and fans alike.
As McIlroy and Bradley prepare for the key tournaments ahead – including the Open Championship in Northern Ireland – the U.S. team’s final lineup and leadership structure will be closely watched. McIlroy’s recognition of Bradley’s talent reflects the evolving dynamics of the team and the competitive nature of the Ryder Cup.