Keegan Bradley Set to Lead as Player-Captain in Ryder Cup
Keegan Bradley is making history as the first player-captain of the US Ryder Cup team since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
Team Europe’s Captain, Luke Donald, has agreed to modify the “Captains Contract” to allow one of Bradley’s assistant captains to assume a leadership role at Beth Page Black in September if American players are active during a session. This change was reported by the Telegraph.
Typically, only team captains provide guidance to players during the Ryder Cup—covering everything from club selection to shot strategies—but new rules now permit certain assistants to step in.
A source mentioned, “Keegan has altered the longstanding agreement between Luke and the European team concerning the Ryder Cup. The contracts specify how many vice captains each team can have, and they don’t often change year to year. But Keegan approached Luke about this clause, and Luke kindly agreed. It’s vital to keep things amicable during the event.”
Jim Furik is expected to take on the captaincy role while Bradley competes. Furik was at the helm during the US team’s loss to the European team in Paris in 2018.
Currently, Bradley ranks 10th in the US Ryder Cup standings, with just four weeks left for players to secure automatic spots in the top six, while the captain gets to make six selections.
The American team is hopeful that the home-course advantage will aid their efforts, as they aim to continue a winning streak that began in 2014, having won the last five Ryder Cups. Their last victory was in 2021 against the Europeans in Wisconsin.
This year’s Ryder Cup will take place at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale from September 26th to 28th.
Bradley has indicated that if he doesn’t secure an automatic spot, “if the team is helpful,” he’ll opt for personal selection.
Confirming further news, the US captain also noted that LIV Golf star Bryson Dechambeau, a two-time US Open champion, will be part of the Ryder Cup squad. “Bryson will be a crucial addition for us,” Bradley remarked. “He brings energy and passion, but above all, he’s among the best players in the world.”
