Three-time major champion Jordan Spieth is making a determined effort to secure a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2025 and has humorously urged Team USA captain Keegan Bradley to relinquish one of his captain’s picks. This appeal comes as the FedEx St. Jude Championship opens the PGA Tour playoffs, a critical period for players seeking to finalize their Ryder Cup rosters.
The Ryder Cup selection process awards points to players based on their tournament performances, with the top six in the standings automatically qualifying for the team. The remaining six players are chosen by the captain, a position currently held by Bradley for the 2025 event. As an eligible player himself, Bradley faces the decision of whether to select himself as a playing captain or forgo competing to dedicate himself fully to leadership duties.
Jordan Spieth’s Lighthearted Plea to Captain Keegan Bradley
Jordan Spieth, ranked 27th in the Ryder Cup standings, is making a late-season push to impress Keegan Bradley and secure a place on the team. Spieth, who has returned to competition following a serious injury, has competed in 18 tournaments this season, making the cut in 16 and achieving four top-10 finishes. With the playoffs starting in Memphis, he needs strong performances to climb the rankings and capture Bradley’s attention.
Knowing that Bradley could potentially take one of his six captain’s picks for himself as a player—and thereby reduce the amount of available slots for others—Spieth joked that it would be best for Bradley to “give up” that pick. During an appearance on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, Spieth said,
“I keep trying to convince Keegan that it’d be a lot for him to have to play, too. 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.”
This lighthearted request was Spieth’s way of encouraging Bradley to focus solely on captain duties, which are demanding enough without also competing as a player. Spieth underscored that making the Ryder Cup team was his
“loftiest goal to start the season”
and has expressed his serious determination to earn a spot through performance.
Keegan Bradley’s Role and Potential as a Playing Captain
Keegan Bradley, winner of eight PGA Tour titles including the 2011 PGA Championship, was appointed the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2025, succeeding Zach Johnson. Bradley qualified for the team by virtue of recent strong finishes, including an impressive victory at the 2025 Travelers Championship that elevated him to 10th place in Ryder Cup points standings. This achievement places him in a unique spot where he can decide whether to play as a captain or concentrate solely on strategic leadership.
Bradley’s playing captain status would mark a rare occurrence in Ryder Cup history, the last being Arnold Palmer in 1963, who successfully led the U.S. team to a dominant 23-9 victory over Great Britain. The golf community has been abuzz with speculation about Bradley’s decision, and many players support the idea of him competing alongside the team.
Jordan Spieth publicly endorsed Bradley’s potential dual role. On the Ups & Adams show, Spieth stated,
“As of right now, if he’s playing as a top-12 American player, then he should be on that team, in my opinion…If this guy’s going to be one of the best ten players at that tournament, which is how he (Bradley) is playing right now, then of course you want him.”
He reiterated his support adding,
“If he’s playing as a top 12 American player, then he should be on that team… for the betterment of the team, I think he deserves it right now.”
These remarks highlight how important Bradley’s form and contribution are perceived to be for the team’s prospects.
Current Ryder Cup Standings and Playoff Implications
As the PGA Tour shifts into its playoff phase, competition intensifies for Ryder Cup roster spots. So far, Scottie Scheffler is the only American player to have secured automatic qualification. On the European side, World No. 2 Rory McIlroy has also clinched his place, confirming the presence of two of the globe’s top-ranked players in their respective teams before the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
With six automatic qualifiers and six captain’s picks on each side, the impending selection process remains highly competitive. Bradley’s choice to play or step aside as a non-playing captain will affect the total pool of players that can take part, increasing the stakes for players like Spieth who are fighting to earn one of the last coveted positions.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship will be pivotal not only in determining rider cup points but also in setting the tone for the playoffs and team formation. Players need strong finishes over the next series of events to either secure automatic spots or impress the captain enough for a selection.
Potential Impact of Bradley’s Decision on Team USA
If Bradley chooses to take on playing captain duties, he will face significant physical and mental demands balancing competition and leadership. This historic decision would echo Arnold Palmer’s famous 1963 captaincy and could inspire the team with his direct presence on the course. Conversely, stepping back to focus fully on captaincy might allow Bradley to dedicate more time to strategy and management, possibly elevating Team USA’s overall performance.
Meanwhile, Spieth’s push to cement his Ryder Cup spot reflects the depth and intensity within the U.S. team pool. His call for Bradley to “give up” the playing role suggests an understanding of the challenges involved and a strategic effort to increase his own chances. The next few weeks of the PGA Tour playoffs will be crucial for him and other hopefuls trying to secure their place at this prestigious international event.