The 45th Ryder Cup will take place at Bethpage Black between September 26th and 28th, where hosts the US will be determined to avenge a 16.5-11.5 defeat to the Europeans two years ago in Italy.
Back then, it was Luke Donald who masterminded Team Europe’s emphatic victory at Marco Simone, with US captain Zach Johnson his beaten counterpart.
The call to reappoint Donald as captain began almost immediately after the win and so it was no surprise when he was given the nod. Equally unsurprising was the decision from the US camp to bring a new face into the equation, with Keegan Bradley the choice as captain.
Here are the details on the credentials each bring to the role as well as the key figures who will be assisting them.
Team USA Ryder Cup Captain – Keegan Bradley
Keegan Bradley was appointed captain in 2024
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Zach Johnson’s stint as US captain led to controversy before the match even began when he opted not to select Keegan Bradley as one of his wildcards, instead going for experience with the likes of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth getting the nod, even if their form at the time didn’t necessarily warrant it.
That led to Tiger Woods’ former coach Hank Haney describing it as a “boys’ club,” while Bradley admitted he was “super bummed out” not to make his third appearance.
After the US challenge crashed and burned in Italy, it was inevitable Johnson would make way.
The PGA of America initially courted Woods as his successor, but it turned to Bradley in June 2024 after the 15-time Major winner ruled himself out of contention.
All the signs so far are that it is an astute appointment, with Bradley bonding well with his teammates at last year’s Presidents Cup.
He has also built relationships ahead of time with probable members of his team. That includes leaving an inspirational note in Bryson DeChambeau’s locker at The Open.
The biggest question mark over Bradley’s appointment is whether his form will demand that he takes on a player-captain role.
One barrier to that has reportedly been lifted with a rule change that would allow him to appoint one of his vice-captains as a de facto captain in the matches where he competes.
Team USA Ryder Cup Vice-Captains
Webb Simpson
Webb Simpson was Bradley’s first appointment as…
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