Keegan Bradley opens Ryder Cup team doors to LIV golfers – “I don’t care what or where they play”

Keegan Bradley, newly appointed captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, addressed several pivotal topics during a press conference held at PGA of America headquarters on July 9, 2024. Bradley’s approach to his captaincy, particularly his stance on selecting players from the LIV Golf circuit, has sparked widespread discussion. 

Zach Johnson focused on PGA Tour players for the 2023 team, dismissing almost all the LIV Golf stars. This approach has seen mixed results, with the U.S. team experiencing both successes and failures. Keegan Bradley’s declarations signal a potential shift in strategy.

Keegan Bradley’s Bold Vision for Ryder Cup 2025

Keegan Bradley made it clear that he intends to consider all players, regardless of which tour they play on:

“I’m not worried about the LIV Golf stuff. I’m going to have the 12 best players on the team. I don’t care what or where they play. So we have a mission to win this tournament,” Keegan Bradley emphasized during the press conference.

This inclusive approach aims to assemble the strongest possible team for the Ryder Cup 2025, which will take place at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. The selection of Bradley, a bold move by the PGA of America, reflects a desire for a fresh and dynamic leadership style.

Keegan Bradley’s willingness to embrace players from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf demonstrates his focus on performance and skill over affiliations:

“I want the best players on the team. By the time we get to Bethpage in 2025, we have no clue how the layout of the golf world is going to be,” Keegan Bradley remarked, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the golfing landscape.

His inclusive stance has garnered both praise and criticism from fans and players alike. Some see it as a necessary evolution in Ryder Cup strategy, while others worry about potential conflicts and distractions.

Many fans have welcomed Keegan Bradley’s approach, appreciating his focus on assembling the best team possible. “Now we have someone talking sense,” one fan commented online. Another added, “Glad to hear no LIV filter. It should be the 12 best players that really ‘want’ to be there.”

However, there are concerns about the pressure Keegan Bradley will face in maintaining team harmony and ensuring that his selections are based purely on merit:

“Doesn’t mean squat right now, a year away, see how it all plays out. He will get to choose 6 players that don’t auto-qualify; hope he doesn’t fall prey to the pressures to not include LIV if there are deserving LIV players,” another fan noted.

Addressing questions about potential vice-captains, Bradley dismissed the possibility of Phil Mickelson serving in that role:

“I don’t think he’s interested in being a vice-captain,” Bradley said. “To be honest with you, he’s a captain someday. I haven’t spoken to Phil. I don’t want to speak for him at all.”

Keegan Bradley’s respect for Mickelson remains evident despite Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf.

“I only have great things to say about Phil and what we did in past editions of the Ryder Cup,” Bradley concluded.

Bradley’s commitment to qualifying as a player while serving as captain adds another layer of complexity to his role:

“I’m going to have a year of being with the guys as a peer. And one thing that is important to me is I want to play on the team,” he stated.

However, he made it clear that he would not select himself as a captain’s pick if he does not qualify on points:

“I’m not going to pick myself,” Bradley asserted. “The only way that would happen is if the team was insisting on it, but even then I don’t see that happening.”

As the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, Bradley brings a blend of enthusiasm, experience, and a modern approach to his role. His decisions and leadership will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of Team USA as they prepare for the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Keegan Bradley’s press conference has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and potentially transformative period for Team USA. By prioritizing the best talent irrespective of tour affiliations, Bradley aims to foster a winning team spirit and bring home the Ryder Cup. As preparations continue, the golfing world will be watching closely to see how Bradley’s bold strategies play out on the course.