In a surprising turn of events, Tiger Woods has turned down the prestigious role of the US Ryder Cup captain for 2025, paving the way for Keegan Bradley to step in. The story broke in an unusual manner when a rehearsal picture from NBC’s announcement news on a YouTube channel, taken on a cameraphone, was leaked, revealing Bradley’s appointment ahead of the official statement.
Bradley Keegan talks about the honour of being USA Ryder Cup Captain in 2025
Keegan Bradley, who has previously played in two Ryder Cup teams, expressed his excitement and honour upon being named captain. “I am incredibly honoured to accept this opportunity to captain the United States team at the 2025 Ryder Cup,” Bradley said. “My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particularly special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course. I look forward to beginning preparations for 2025.”
The PGA of America had been in negotiations with Tiger Woods for months, hoping he would take on the role. Woods, who has served as both a playing and assistant captain in past events, ultimately decided he could not commit the necessary time to the captaincy, citing his numerous responsibilities, including his role as vice-chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises and ongoing recovery from injuries.
With Woods out of the running, the PGA of America turned to Bradley, a New England native with strong ties to New York, having played college golf at St John’s. Bradley’s appointment was somewhat unexpected, especially considering he is still an active and competitive player, currently ranked No. 19 in the world.
Bradley brings calm after controversial 2023 USA Ryder Cup team picks
Bradley’s selection marks a significant turnaround in his Ryder Cup journey. Having narrowly missed out on a captain’s pick last year, his disappointment was well-documented in the Netflix series “Full Swing,” where he lamented feeling like an outsider in the team dynamics. However, his passion for the Ryder Cup has never waned. “I think about the Ryder Cup every second I’m awake, basically,” Bradley said before last year’s BMW Championship. Now, he has the chance to lead a new generation of American golfers at Bethpage Black.
Bradley’s media training in New York is already underway, and he is set to hold a news conference to introduce himself as the new US captain. His appointment brings a fresh perspective to the role, with his relatively young age for a Ryder Cup captain and his continued competitiveness on the PGA Tour.
The leak of Bradley’s appointment via the rehearsal picture adds an intriguing twist to the announcement. It underscores the high level of interest and speculation surrounding the selection process, particularly after Woods’ decision to decline the role. Despite the unexpected nature of the reveal, Bradley’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm and support from the golfing community.
As Europe confirms Luke Donald’s return as their captain for a second term, the stage is set for a thrilling 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. With Bradley at the helm, the US team will aim to channel his passion and determination to secure a victory on home soil.
