In a surprising development that shocked the golfing world and even Keegan Bradley himself, the PGA of America has selected Bradley to captain the U.S. team for next year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Prior to the announcement, many had speculated that Tiger Woods would lead the U.S. team on the Black Course, where he won the 2002 U.S. Open. But Woods turned down the offer several weeks ago, explaining why in a statement released Tuesday by Julius Mason of the PGA of America:
“With my new responsibilities on tour and the time commitments that come with them, I felt I would not be able to devote the time I needed as captain to Team USA and the players,” Woods said.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to captain the team in the future. When I feel like the time is right, I’ll be up for the committee’s decision.”
It remains to be seen whether Woods will continue to play a role on the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
“I told him he could be as involved as he wanted,” Bradley said Tuesday in New York.
“We all respect Tiger. His opinion means a lot to us. When you’re in the team room with Tiger, people don’t realize how important it is to him. That’s what it’s all about. He lives for Tiger, he breathes for Tiger.” [the Ryder Cup]”For him to turn down the position because he felt that his responsibilities and the situation on tour meant he couldn’t do what he should have done shows how much he cares.”
The PGA Tour welcomed Woods to its policy committee last August and since then the 15-time major champion has helped the tour secure a $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a coalition of American sports owners that includes John Henry of the Boston Red Sox, Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons and Steve Cohen of the New York Mets.
Woods also played a key role in contract negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the beneficiary of LIV Golf. Negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF are ongoing, which is why Woods did not want to take the captaincy.
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That being said, Bradley felt obligated to reach out to Woods for guidance and approval.
“I got to talk to Tiger before I accepted the role. [could do it]”I wanted to hear his story,” Bradley added.
“[Over the last two weeks,] I’ve spoken to Tiger a number of times. I spoke to him on the phone this morning. He’s been very helpful. Tiger’s always been a real help to me. He has a great voice and he’s always reached out to me and helped me out. It’s been great.”
Woods won’t be captain, but he’ll likely have some role to play, whether he returns as an official vice captain or not. While his Ryder Cup record isn’t what one would expect, no one has a better resume than Woods. Still, Woods’ presence, whether on the ground in Bethpage or on the phone from Florida, will ultimately help Bradley and the entire U.S. team.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow For more golf articles, follow us on Twitter Jack Mirko In the same way.
