Bryson DeChambeau has clinched a guaranteed spot on the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team following a resilient performance at The Open Championship. Despite a rough start with a first-round 78 at Royal Portrush, DeChambeau fought back to finish within the top 10, marking his third top-10 finish in the four majors of 2025. His return to form guarantees his position among the top six players who automatically qualify for the team.

The confirmation of DeChambeau’s place is particularly important as he competes under a unique circumstance: participation on the LIV Golf circuit does not award Ryder Cup points. However, team captain Keegan Bradley has affirmed that DeChambeau will represent the United States at Bethpage Black later this year.

Bryson is going to be a very important piece to us winning the Ryder Cup,

Bradley said in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

He brings so much. He brings energy, passion, but most importantly, he’s one of the best players on the planet.

—Keegan Bradley, U.S. Ryder Cup captain

Keegan Bradley’s potential role as playing captain gains momentum

While DeChambeau’s selection is certain, questions remain about whether Keegan Bradley, the current U.S. Ryder Cup captain, will also compete as a player. After dropping to No. 10 in the team standings following The Open, Bradley’s position is still precarious, but the possibility of him serving as a playing captain—an uncommon role last held by Arnold Palmer over 60 years ago—is gaining traction.

The path to this dual role has been cleared by a recent agreement with Ryder Cup Europe and captain Luke Donald. Bradley sought and secured a new clause in the captain’s contract allowing vice captains to advise players during matches—something previously reserved only for the captain. This change removes a significant barrier that would have made it difficult for Bradley to perform both roles simultaneously because on-course communication with advice would no longer be limited to him alone.

This adjustment has encouraged Bradley, who previously stated he would not compete as captain unless he automatically qualified, to consider selecting himself if his performance continues at a high level through the season.

Current standings highlight U.S. Ryder Cup team prospects

The U.S. team standings as of July 21 show Scottie Scheffler maintaining a dominating lead with 32,420.33 points, comfortably within the automatic qualifying zone. Scheffler’s status is secure regardless of his recent Open win, as he had already qualified through consistent performance. Behind him, players including Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, and Bryson DeChambeau occupy the top spots nearly locked in for the team.

Included in the top ten are Harris English, Justin Thomas, and Collin Morikawa, while Ben Griffin, Keegan Bradley, Maverick McNealy, and Brian Harman also remain in contention with points ranging from approximately 8,600 to 7,000. With only four PGA Tour events left before the Tour Championship, players continue to earn Ryder Cup points based on their earnings, making the final roster a tense battle.

As the team prepares for the competition at Bethpage Black later in September, the United States enters the Ryder Cup favored to win, with sportsbooks listing them as -145 favorites. The team’s depth and the possible addition of Bradley as a playing captain make the American side a formidable contender.

The significance of the 2025 Ryder Cup captaincy and team dynamics

Keegan Bradley’s emerging potential as a playing captain adds a historical and strategic dimension to the 2025 Ryder Cup. Should Bradley qualify and decide to compete, he would be the first captain to do so in over sixty years, a role last filled by legendary Arnold Palmer. This unique leadership format could impact team morale and on-course decision-making dynamics, especially with the new contract provisions enabling vice captains to actively assist players during matches.

Bryson DeChambeau’s assured presence on the team strengthens the Americans’ chances as he blends power, passion, and proven skill. Bradley’s determination to select himself only if he meets qualification criteria speaks to a focused and merit-based approach.

With important tournaments looming and Ryder Cup points on the line, the U.S. team situation remains fluid but increasingly clear as the selection deadline approaches. Fans and peers alike watch closely as Bradley balances the pressure to lead both on and off the course, while key players like Scheffler, Schauffele, and DeChambeau aim to secure their moment at the prestigious golf showdown.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why does Keegan Bradley have 27 on his shoes?

A. Jillian, who is Bradley’s wife, has an uncle named Carlton Fisk. In honor of the famous Red Sox player, the golfer is wearing shoes marked with “27” and “Uncle Pudge.”

Q. Did Keegan Bradley get snubbed?

A. Team USA overlooked Keegan Bradley for the Ryder Cup.

Q. What brand does Keegan Bradley wear?

A. Bradley is officially sponsored by Flag & Anthem for his clothing during the 2024 PGA Season.

Q. Why did Keegan Bradley get a 2 shot penalty?

A. Keegan Bradley received a two-shot penalty on Saturday during his second round at the Players Championship. He marked his ball on the 16th green at TPC Sawgrass. However, the ball shifted position before he played, but he hit it from the initial spot instead of its new location.