Keegan Bradley’s comments on Tommy Fleetwood draw response from British star

The Ryder Cup was an obvious topic in Bradley’s conversation with Smylie Kaufman after his round on Friday.

The US captain praised Fleetwood during the live broadcast, and Sky Sports commentator Nick Dougherty highlighted it to him, which led to his response.

“It means a lot. I just want to continue to work and try and be one of the best golfers in the world and compete with these guys week in and week out. I suppose when you have had enough near misses you learn that there is always another week coming up, there is absolutely no point in letting things have a negative impact on what you’re doing next week because every week starts again. I think I try to see the positives in everything while letting the negatives motivate me. I try to have that mindset and that’s what I would want to tell my kids. That’s how I would want them to look at it, so I have to be the one to show them that,” Fleetwood said.

“There has been plenty of near misses, especially recently,” he added. “I think every time it happens, the best possible scenario is that I put myself in that position again. If I win, amazing; if not, then so be it. But being there gives me valuable experience each time.

He finished by saying: “It’s lovely words from Keegan. I enjoyed playing against him down the stretch at the Travelers. I think he’s an unbelievable player and he is going to be a great captain so I am one of the lucky guys who gets to go against that American team as captain. That’s very nice to hear from him.”

Keegan Bradley admits he felt bad about his reaction after beating Tommy Fleetwood at the Travelers

Bradley edged out Fleetwood at the Travelers Championship back in June.

The Ryder Cup captain celebrated the winning putt emotionally, but he later felt guilty about celebrating in front of Fleetwood.

“It was a cool moment. To be honest with you, I know I’m supposed to be this like macho competitor. I really did feel for Tommy, like I really did. In the days following it was a weird feeling because I did really feel for him. I felt a little bit bad when I looked back at how crazy I went.”

Bradley’s comments show that he has real respect for Fleetwood.

But once the Ryder Cup kicks off, do not expect any favours between them on course.