Keegan Bradley will captain the United States at the 2025 Ryder Cup after Tiger Woods failed to commit to the role.
Woods was the preferred choice of the PGA of America for the event on the formidable Bethpage Black course in New York next year but, despite months of negotiations, a deal was not reached.
That paved the way for Bradley to step in with the brief of winning back the trophy the US lost in emphatic fashion in Rome last September.
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The 38-year-old said in a statement: “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.”
Bradley will square off against Luke Donald, who will captain Europe for a second time.
New York is going to love you, Keegan. pic.twitter.com/pdFiXkcK6G
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) July 8, 2024
PGA of America president John Lindert said: “Keegan’s past Ryder Cup experience, strong relationships and unwavering passion for this event will prove invaluable as he guides the US team over the next year and a half.
“We are confident that with Keegan at the helm, the 2025 US Ryder Cup Team will compete at Bethpage with the same confidence and determination that has defined his career.”
Bradley was on the losing side in his two appearances as a player – in 2012 and 2014 – and failed to make the team in Rome, despite winning twice on the PGA Tour in 2023.
He admitted to “thinking about the Ryder Cup every second I’m awake” before being left out but will now get the opportunity to lead the US in New York, where he played college golf for St John’s.
