Justin Thomas Opens Up on Ryder Cup Drama: Keegan Bradley’s Unexpected Struggle

Justin Thomas understands the disappointment surrounding Keegan Bradley’s omission from the U.S. Ryder Cup team — because he felt it too.

In a candid interview on the No Laying Up podcast, Justin Thomas opened up about the emotions and controversies surrounding his selection for the U.S. Ryder Cup team over Keegan Bradley. After watching the Netflix series Full Swing, which detailed the tense lead-up to the final team selection, Thomas admitted that he found himself rooting for Bradley, understanding why many fans did as well.

“It was tough to watch, but it’s the reality,” Thomas said. “If you compare our seasons, Keegan deserved that spot more than I did.”

Bradley vs. Thomas: A Tale of Two Seasons

Keegan Bradley had a standout season in 2023, securing two PGA Tour wins and finishing higher on the Ryder Cup points list. His performance made him a strong candidate for the team, and his passion for representing the U.S. was clear. Bradley’s emotional investment was palpable throughout the Netflix series, where he openly expressed how much making the Ryder Cup team meant to him.

On the other hand, Justin Thomas struggled by his own high standards. He failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs, leaving him on the outside looking in. Thomas was fully aware that his chances of making the Ryder Cup team hinged on being one of captain Zach Johnson’s six picks.

A Difficult Decision for Captain Zach Johnson

When it came down to the final decision, Thomas wasn’t oblivious to the reasons behind his selection over Bradley. “It’s no secret why I ended up getting the pick over him,” he admitted. Thomas had been a fixture on the U.S. team in previous Ryder Cups, known not only for his talent but also for his role as an emotional leader. This reputation, along with his close relationships with many of the team members, likely played a significant part in Johnson’s decision.

“It made it seem like it was the only captain’s pick,” Thomas said of the Netflix portrayal. “But there are six picks, and while several were considered locks, the final couple of spots were more up for grabs.” The decision ultimately saw Thomas being chosen over Bradley, Cameron Young, and others, a move that stirred mixed reactions among fans and analysts.

Thomas Reflects on His Ryder Cup Performance

Despite being chosen, Thomas didn’t escape self-criticism. He sat out the U.S. team’s opening session at Marco Simone but played in the next four, finishing with a 1-2-1 record. Reflecting on his performance, Thomas was his own harshest critic, saying, “I feel like I let the team down. I played terrible.”

Thomas’s honesty about his own play and the team’s overall performance was a recurring theme throughout the podcast. In the wake of another disappointing showing by the U.S. team on foreign soil — their seventh consecutive loss overseas — Thomas admitted that the team might have been underprepared. “In hindsight, we should have played more leading up to the event,” he said, acknowledging the criticism that followed the team’s strategy.

Looking Forward: Bradley’s New Role and Team USA’s Future

As the U.S. team turns its focus to the future, Keegan Bradley is set to play a new role — as the captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage. Ironically, Thomas was part of the group that selected Bradley for the job, a decision he fully supports. “I respect his work ethic a lot, and he really gets after it,” Thomas said of Bradley. The two golfers, who practice and play together frequently in South Florida, have grown closer over the past few years, with Thomas expressing full confidence in Bradley’s ability to lead the team.

Bradley has already made his first move as captain, appointing Webb Simpson, a fellow 38-year-old, as his vice-captain. This decision suggests a push towards injecting new energy and perhaps a younger mindset into the team’s Ryder Cup program.

Patience and Change: The Keys to Future Success

Looking ahead, Thomas emphasized the importance of patience in the team’s development. He revealed that Tiger Woods was initially offered the captaincy, but when Woods declined, the committee took its time to find the right person for the job. “Why rush this?” Thomas recalled telling the committee. “What’s the point of us rushing to get maybe the person that we don’t think is right, just to meet a deadline?”

This thoughtful approach, Thomas believes, is crucial as the U.S. team seeks to break its losing streak on foreign soil. Both he and Jordan Spieth are actively involved in discussions on how to improve the team’s preparation and performance in future Ryder Cups. “Change is good,” Thomas said, reflecting on the upcoming transition under Bradley’s leadership.

As the U.S. Ryder Cup team prepares for the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: both Justin Thomas and Keegan Bradley are committed to seeing their team succeed, even if it means embracing change and learning from past mistakes.