Keegan Bradley is aiming to become the first playing captain in the Ryder Cup since Arnold Palmer in 1963, with the upcoming matches set for September 26-28 at Bethpage Black. His opportunity comes with support from key U.S. players and a history that traces back to changes influenced by Jack Nicklaus.
The Historical Shift in Ryder Cup Captaincy Rules
After the United States defeated Great Britain & Ireland at the 1963 Ryder Cup held at East Lake, the PGA of America’s executive committee altered the bylaws to prevent captains from also competing as players. This change was motivated by the belief that the responsibilities of the captain were too demanding to allow dual roles. However, on December 16, 1982, when Jack Nicklaus was named U.S. captain at age 42, the committee reversed this policy and allowed a playing captain once again.
Jack Nicklaus’ Influence on Captaincy Policies
Under Nicklaus’ captaincy in 1983, there were no captain’s picks, and a PGA Championship winner was guaranteed a spot on the team. Nicklaus himself nearly qualified automatically by finishing one shot behind Hal Sutton at Riviera. Although captain’s picks have been introduced since then, the rule permitting a player-captain has remained unchanged. For Bradley, winning the BMW Championship is critical to securing one of the six automatic selections, though questions remain about whether he would choose himself.
Support from Fellow American Players
Fellow teammates have publicly voiced their backing for Bradley’s inclusion. Xander Schauffele has encouraged him to bring his clubs to Bethpage Black, while Patrick Cantlay expressed confidence in Bradley’s abilities during a recent appearance at Caves Valley:
“If I was captain, I’d pick Keegan.”
“I think he’s definitely one of the best American players, and his results have shown that.”
—Patrick Cantlay, Professional Golfer
Bradley’s Approach to Team Selection
Bradley has indicated he will consult both assistant captains and the six automatic qualifiers when making his picks, treating all potential players equally. He plans to finalize his selections by August 27, after the Tour Championship, which will give him two weeks of high-level competition to inform his decisions. Currently ranked No. 10 in the standings, Bradley is on the cusp of automatic qualification but needs to improve his position.
Current Automatic Qualifiers and Ryder Cup Outlook
So far, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and J.J. Spaun have mathematically guaranteed their spots on the team. They are followed closely by Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harris English, while Justin Thomas remains just outside the top six. The evolving dynamic of player selections and Bradley’s potential as a playing captain add an intriguing element to the U.S. Ryder Cup squad.