Laura Brett/Sipa USA Sipa USA/Alamy Live News

Keegan Bradley Facing Backlash Over Disastrous Ryder Cup Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 1:13 PM ET

The United States entered the 2025 Ryder Cup as the clear favorites, but it was evident early on Team Europe wouldn't be backing down on American soil.

Team USA captain Keegan Bradley took heat for his decision to pair Collin Morikawa and Harris English on the first day of play, which resulted in a 5&4 loss to Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. Bradley doubled down on criticism of the pairing by announcing the two would play in the Saturday morning session as well.

“They were really bummed out that they lost their match today,” Bradley said of English and Morikawa after the U.S. fell behind 5.5-2.5 after the first day. “They were eager to get back out on the course, and that’s why we did that.”

“I think your natural instinct is to (change course), but we came in here this week with a plan, and the players are prepared for that plan,” Bradley said. “We’re going to stick to that plan and make sure the players are ready to play. We feel really confident about this lineup, and we love all those players.”

The move was highly criticized.

Keegan: "We have a plan."

The plan: pic.twitter.com/W9H6Zd2A7A
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterNS) September 27, 2025

"The U.S. captains have traditionally been old guys no longer playing the Tour. Perils of picking a Millennial: Keegan surely wanted to bench Morikawa, English & Henley til Sunday…but they’re colleagues he has to see every day. He doesn’t want them to hate him! So here we are," golf insider Alan Shipnuck said.

"Keegan’s career is spurred by proving people wrong, but there’s a difference between using criticism as fuel and refusing to take feedback. Running back English/Morikawa—despite the overwhelming red flags before and after on the pairing—is an error born of arrogance," offered golf writer Joel Beall.

The decision to stick with Morikawa and English backfired after the two were four holes down after just eight holes of play and eventually lost 3&2 to McIlroy and Fleetwood.

The United States trails 8.5-3.5 heading into the Saturday afternoon matches.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: