Keegan Bradley is openly considering the rare possibility of competing as a playing captain for the U.S. Ryder Cup team this year, reflecting a notable shift in his approach since taking on the leadership role last year. Speaking at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Bradley confirmed that the team has developed a contingency plan should he decide to tee off as both a player and the captain, blending leadership responsibilities with active competition.
This development comes as Bradley is enjoying one of the best stretches in his career, especially after carding a 4-under 67 in the second round of The Open Championship, placing him high on the leaderboard. His recent success, including a victory at the Travelers Championship last month, has fueled his confidence to potentially pick himself for the team based on merit and the belief that he can positively impact the squad.
Details and Context of the U.S. Team’s Plan for a Playing Captain
While Bradley did not disclose the full details of the contingency strategy, the mere fact that such planning exists highlights the growing seriousness behind his considerations. The plan would address the challenges that arise from fulfilling dual roles, especially given the historical rarity of playing captains in Ryder Cup history. The last player–captain in this competition was Arnold Palmer in 1963.
Supporting Bradley is a seasoned team, including Jim Furyk, a former Ryder Cup captain now on his staff, who could potentially assume some leadership duties during competitive rounds. Bradley’s position in the Ryder Cup standings currently places him ninth, but his solid performance at The Open could improve his ranking and strengthen his case for inclusion as a player.
Insights from Past Playing Captains and Ryder Cup Regulations
Bradley has drawn insight from conversations with Tiger Woods, who served as a playing captain at the Presidents Cup in 2019, about balancing leadership and competitive play. These discussions have likely informed Bradley’s outlook on managing responsibilities on and off the course simultaneously.
One significant obstacle that remains unresolved is the captain’s agreement, which Bradley has yet to sign with Luke Donald and Team Europe. This agreement traditionally governs the roles and privileges of captains and vice-captains, particularly around the giving of advice during match play. Bradley would likely seek flexibility for one of his vice captains to provide guidance while he is competing, a change that could spark negotiation since standard rules restrict on-course advice exclusively to captains.
Bradley’s Resurgence at The Open Demonstrates Career-Best Form
Bradley’s recent play marks a turnaround from previous struggles, especially adapting to slower links greens—a common challenge at The Open. On Friday at Royal Portrush, he completed a bogey-free round and matched his personal best Open score, snapping a streak of 17 consecutive rounds in the 70s at this event.
His day included an 18-foot eagle putt on the second hole, followed by birdies on the 12th and 15th, showcasing precise putting from challenging distances. Bradley credits significant improvement to his short game, making him a more well-rounded player than ever before.
“I feel like I’m a much better player right now than I’ve ever been. This is the best I’ve ever played throughout my entire career,”
Bradley said.
“I’m a way better chipper of the ball, which I’ve worked on. I’m very high in the stats on the TOUR which I never have been, which is a huge help. I chipped two to a foot today that were tough chips. Putting a lot better, and I just feel a lot more comfortable being out there in these big moments. I do feel like I’m a much more well-rounded player now.”
—Keegan Bradley, U.S. Ryder Cup Captain and Player
The Importance of Bradley’s Form for the Upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black
Bradley’s resurgence not only has him competing at The Open but also positions him as a viable playing captain contender for the Ryder Cup in two months at Bethpage Black. His recent success represents a hopeful development for the U.S. team as they prepare to challenge Team Europe.
The Ryder Cup holds high significance in international golf, and the possibility of a playing captain adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the competition. Should Bradley decide to pick himself, it would mark a historic moment, linking past traditions with modern dynamics in golf leadership.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Keegan Bradley have 27 on his shoes?
A. Keegan Bradley’s custom @jumpman23 shoes for this week’s @usopengolf #27 event are special because of his wife’s family connection. The left shoe features the @celtics, and the right showcases the @nhlbruins. The shoes also pay tribute to #UnclePudge and his grandmother, #Nana.
Q. Did Keegan Bradley get snubbed?
A. Team USA overlooked Keegan Bradley for the Ryder Cup.
Q. Why did Keegan Bradley get a 2 shot penalty?
A. During the Players Championship on Saturday, Keegan Bradley got a two-stroke penalty in his second round. This happened because he marked his ball on the 16th green at TPC Sawgrass. The ball then moved, but he played it from the marked spot instead of where it had moved. This violated a rarely called rule.