Debate grows over Keegan Bradley’s future as some say he shouldn’t lead Team USA in 2027

One of those voices is writer Shane Ryan. Speaking on Golf Channel, he made it clear he thinks giving Bradley a second chance would be a mistake.

“Here’s the thing, I don’t blame Keegan Bradley for being offered the job. That was a bad mistake, I thought, the PGA of America made – and an obvious one,” he said.

“He didn’t have any experience, he wasn’t ready for the role. He was going to be playing the whole time which was going to detract from any leadership thing. “But I do blame him for taking the job. He shouldn’t have done that.

“I do blame him for not listening maybe to the stats guys, that was the impression I got. I do blame him for making some of the same mistakes over and over again.

“I blame him for making it so much about himself that after the Presidents Cup, he did this big speech about how they’re going to go to Bethpage and kick Europe’s you know what’s. Gave them bulletin board material.”

Keegan spoke out about his future following his captaincy and noted: “It’s hard because if you win this match you automatically get asked back.”

Should Keegan Bradley take the Ryder Cup captaincy in 2027 if it’s offered to him?

But given everything he’s learned since, it would be surprising if Bradley ended up taking the job again. His involvement as captain also played a role in him missing out on what would have been his third playing appearance. It’s hard to see another captain leaving him out.

The 2011 PGA Championship winner has won in each of the last four seasons on the PGA Tour and there’s a strong case to be made that this is the best golf of his career.

It’ll also have dawned on him that these chances to make a team as a player won’t come around much longer, so another crack at being captain can always wait.

Bradley will no doubt recall that Tom Watson had 21 years between his two stints as captain. It makes more sense for him to put all of his efforts into making the team in Ireland as a player, rather than accept another shot at leading from behind the scenes. If approached by the PGA of America, Bradley should be inclined to pass this time around.