Keegan Bradley is assured of another Ryder Cup team, this time as U.S. captain. The PGA of America announced his selection Monday after months of talks with Tiger Woods about taking the job.
The PGA of America posted the news on Instagram after it leaked during the day that Bradley, who has played on only two Ryder Cup teams, had been chosen to officiate the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black in New York.
“I am incredibly honored to accept this opportunity to captain the U.S. team at the 2025 Ryder Cup,” Bradley said in a statement. “I want to thank the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for their confidence in me as we embark on this journey to Bethpage Black.
“My passion and appreciation for golf’s biggest team event has never been greater. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport and this edition will undoubtedly be special, given the rich history and enthusiastic crowds at this iconic course. I look forward to starting preparations for 2025.”
Bradley is already in New York for media training and is expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday to introduce himself as the new U.S. captain.
Woods was the U.S. Ryder Cup committee’s first choice and had been negotiating for months over whether he would have enough time to carry out his duties, many of which involved promoting the event.
He was playing captain for the 2019 Presidents Cup, which the Americans won at Royal Melbourne, and he was assistant captain for the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.
When Woods was no longer an option, the PGA of America went for some local flavor with Bradley, a native of New England who played collegiate golf at St John’s, New York.
He played in the 2012 and 2014 Ryder Cups, both of which ended in defeat for the Americans. He went 3-1-0 in 2012, but did not unpack his bag afterward, saying he would not open it until he was on a winning team. He has an overall record of 4-3-0 at the event.
Bradley was not selected for the US team in 2023. He indicated that he found that a disappointing moment.
“I think about the Ryder Cup every waking second, really,” Bradley said before last year’s BMW Championship. “My biggest thing right now is not to think about it while I’m playing because it’s important to me. I feel like I can bring some experience to the team. I’d personally love to be on a team with this younger group.”
The 38-year-old won the 2011 PGA Championship in his first-ever appearance at a major. He has five other victories on the PGA Tour, most recently at the Travelers Championship in June 2023.