As the PGA Tour season nears its conclusion, Patrick Cantlay finds himself dangerously close to missing the Ryder Cup for the third straight time, currently holding 15th place in the US Ryder Cup standings. With limited opportunities left, Cantlay’s hopes hinge on strong performances at the BMW Championship or the Tour Championship to secure his spot, while also facing uncertainty over captain’s picks involving his close friend Keegan Bradley.
Chasing a Spot: Cantlay’s Path Through Remaining Tournaments
Cantlay’s impressive career includes eight PGA Tour victories, giving him confidence despite recent challenges. Though the course at Caves Valley has changed since his 2021 victory, he remains optimistic about leveraging his experience for success in the upcoming BMW Championship. A win in either playoff event would provide a near-certain ticket to the Ryder Cup team, adding extra pressure to his final stretch.
The Complex Dynamics of Friendship and Ryder Cup Selection
The decision-making drama intensifies with Cantlay’s close relationship to Keegan Bradley, who also hopes for a Ryder Cup team spot. Both players often practice together at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Florida, sharing insight into each other’s games. Bradley brings a strong Ryder Cup record of 5-2-1, but his recent form has raised questions about whether he truly merits captain’s pick inclusion.
Cantlay’s Thoughts on Selecting Keegan Bradley for the Ryder Cup
When asked if he would pick himself for the team, Cantlay avoided the personal dilemma but expressed strong support for Bradley, stating,
“Fortunately, that’s not — I’m not in that predicament. Keegan, however, is in that predicament. If I was the captain, I’d pick Keegan. I think he’s played great.”
—Patrick Cantlay
Pressed further on whether performance should override friendship, Cantlay clarified,
“Not regardless. I think he has a lot of responsibility that week, so if he feels that he can play golf like a normal week given all his other responsibilities, I’m just saying that if I was the captain and I was thinking, I think he’s definitely one of the best American players, and his results have shown that.”
—Patrick Cantlay
His comments underline the balance between merit and trust the captain must find when deciding the final team composition.
Recent Practice Round and Cantlay’s Focus Ahead of Crucial Weeks
Just days before the BMW Championship, Cantlay paired with Bradley for a practice round at Caves Valley, highlighting the intertwined fates of these two players. Reflecting on his mindset during a post-round press conference, Cantlay said,
“Yeah, I think that’s definitely something where I’m just focused on the task at hand and worrying about these two weeks to close out the season. Once the season is over, my mind will shift towards that if that’s in the cards for me.”
—Patrick Cantlay
His remarks reveal a calm, determined approach to the immediate challenge of securing his Ryder Cup berth rather than premature speculation.
Implications and Anticipation for Ryder Cup Selection
The mounting pressure on Patrick Cantlay and Keegan Bradley encapsulates the tension and unpredictability of Ryder Cup selections. Bradley’s inclusion appears uncertain if he fails to improve his performance in the closing FedEx Cup Playoff events, while Cantlay’s persistence and previous successes provide hope for a final surge. Golf enthusiasts worldwide are closely following these developments as the PGA Tour season reaches its climax, anticipating a dramatic finale that will determine the US team at Bethpage Black.
The outcome not only affects the players’ careers but could also influence team dynamics and performance in one of golf’s most prestigious competitions. With time running out, every shot counts for Cantlay and Bradley as they strive to prove their Ryder Cup worth.