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Justin Thomas explains how his relationship with Keegan Bradley has changed over the years

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 7:10 AM ET

Justin Thomas has been confirmed as one of Keegan Bradley’s selections, completing the US Ryder Cup roster for Bethpage Black.

Thomas wasn’t among the automatic qualifiers, but Bradley decided to bring him in as one of his six captain’s picks.

Despite some speculation about picking himself, Bradley chose not to play, a decision that had drawn plenty of attention leading up to his selections.

The American team is looking for a response after their defeat in Rome under Zach Johnson. The same can’t be said for Europe – Luke Donald has been retained and will lead them again at Bethpage Black.

Donald led Europe to victory in Rome and remains at the helm, while Bradley takes over from Johnson on the other side.

The world number 30 isn’t short on experience in this competition and even helped out Team USA during their Presidents Cup win two years ago despite not being eligible to play due to injury.

Justin Thomas opens up about how he views his relationship with Keegan Bradley

Donald will be making his captain’s picks next week, but the spotlight is currently on the American side after Bradley finalised his 12-man roster.

Speaking to the Golf Channel, Thomas was open about how things are going between him and Bradley.

“He is still the Keegan Bradley who calls me kid all the time,” said Thomas. “Maybe in the beginning I thought why is this guy Keegan calling me kid? Is he being disrespectful to me?”

Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

“But now I understand that is just who he is and that is the North East Keegan who I have come to know and love.”

“I really have gotten to know Keegan so well and practice and play with him a lot and I respect so much how hard he works and his game.”

The pair were once caught up in controversy after Thomas was picked for Rome over Bradley, but this only made their relationship stronger.

“But after Rome it was funny. I joked with him now that we are past it. But watching our Netflix episode [I joked] that I really was pulling for you and not even me.

Keegan Bradley makes big call by leaving himself out of Ryder Cup team

Thomas looks forward to working with Bradley, even though the captain has left himself out of the playing squad again.

Bradley was emotional after being left off the team in 2023, a year when the US went on to lose away from home.

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

This time, there were discussions about him taking a dual role as playing captain, something not seen since Arnold Palmer did it in 1963.

But that hasn’t happened and Bradley’s return as a player will have to wait, possibly until Adare Manor in 2027.

For now, he deserves credit for stepping aside and letting others play without putting his own interests first. He’s been one of the top American players this year but managing both roles at such an intense event would have been a huge challenge.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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