The FedEx Cup Playoffs begin this week in Memphis at the St. Jude Championship, marking a critical phase for players vying for Ryder Cup roster positions. Among the most talked-about stories is Keegan Bradley‘s pursuit of one of the United States Ryder Cup captain’s picks, which has become more challenging following recent developments in the season.
Bradley’s earlier win at the Traveler’s Championship put him close to securing a spot as a playing captain, potentially becoming the first since Arnold Palmer in 1963. However, emerging contenders like Chris Gotterup and Cameron Young have delivered impressive performances lately, challenging Bradley’s hold on a captain’s pick. Meanwhile, established players such as Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth have slipped behind in the points race.
Jordan Spieth’s Perspective on Ryder Cup Selection and Bradley’s Role
Jordan Spieth, determined to earn a Ryder Cup spot, openly discussed his aspirations and candidly joked about Bradley’s role in the selection process during a SiriusXM <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/golf/pga/”>PGA Tour Radio interview on Wednesday. Spieth acknowledged the difficulty of his task given his current standing but expressed excitement at the possibility of making the team.
It was my loftiest goal to start the season,
Spieth said. I was coming in with almost no carryover points from [2024], which hurts and is unusual for me for a Ryder Cup year, and then obviously skipping the first month of the season I thought, ‘Boy, this would be the end goal.’ And the idea that I have a chance for it is very cool. If you told me I have a chance for it in August, I’d be excited about it.
He then humorously added his concerns about Bradley’s workload as a potential playing captain, suggesting that it might be better if Bradley abstains from playing to open an additional team spot:
Having said that, I’m certainly on the outside looking in right now, and I recognize that. I keep trying to convince Keegan that it’d be a lot for him to have to play, too,
Spieth joked. So he probably should give up that pick, even if he’s a top 10 player and a top 7 player in the world. Just seems like way too much to have to do. So, trying to open up all the opportunities I can, but I can also go take care of business myself.
Spieth Reflects on Ryder Cup Legacy and Current Challenges
Spieth, who has participated in five Ryder Cups, described the event as among the most prestigious competitions in golf. He stressed how meaningful it would be to compete at Bethpage, the site of the upcoming Ryder Cup, especially with local fans supporting the home team.
But yeah, I mean, it’d be incredible. I’ve played in five of ’em,
Spieth continued.
They’re the coolest events you can play in in the sport, and I’d love to play in another five if I can — or more. And this one will be special being at Bethpage. I played the PGA really well there and, obviously, your Long Island crowd and tri-state area coming and representing your country there would be the mecca of what you could do for a home game. But I know I’m on the outside looking in, the only way I can change that is just by focusing on setting a goal for tomorrow’s round, stay on the first tee and hit my line. It’s a shot at a time, it’s a round at a time … I’m still relying on the captains and the assistants on thinking I’d be an additive addition to the team, so that’s my goal.
Despite his desire and experience, Spieth understands he must perform well in the coming weeks to improve his chances, especially as the Ryder Cup captain’s picks will be closely scrutinized.
Upcoming Weeks Will Define Ryder Cup Team Composition
Spieth’s season goals are culminating in Memphis, where he currently sits 48th in the FedEx Cup standings. A strong performance at the St. Jude Championship could secure him a place in the top 50, allowing him to qualify for the BMW Championship and gain access to all eight signature events in 2026. While a victory would boost his Ryder Cup prospects, consistent top-10 finishes in demanding fields during the next two weeks could also strengthen his case, particularly given his Ryder Cup pedigree.
It is notable, however, that Spieth’s recent Ryder Cup performances have not met his earlier success level. After initially posting a solid 7-5-2 record in his first three Ryder Cups, his last two appearances as a captain’s pick saw him achieve only 1-4-3. The U.S. team’s captain and assistants will weigh these results as they decide the final roster.
Keegan Bradley Faces Heightened Scrutiny Over Decision to Play or Coach
Bradley himself is under pressure to justify his position both on and off the course over the next two weeks in Memphis and Baltimore. His performance in these tournaments will influence opinions on whether he should serve purely as captain or take on the demanding role of a playing captain. If his game falters, criticism surrounding his decision to pick himself is likely to intensify.