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Keegan Bradley reveals whether he wants another shot at playing in the Ryder Cup

Originally posted on HITC | By Charlie Walker | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 8:33 AM ET

Keegan Bradley has never caught a break when it comes to the Ryder Cup.

He has got a genuine love for the competition, which probably makes it even harder to swallow how things have gone for him over the years.

It started when Zach Johnson left him out of the 2023 team. Even though he was ranked among the top 12 Americans heading into Rome, he did not get a captain’s pick. Their conversation, aired on Netflix’s Full Swing, made the snub all the more public.

Looking ahead to 2025, Bradley set his sights on making amends. But those plans took an unexpected turn when he was named captain. Despite another top-12 finish, he opted not to play himself, believing it was not in Team USA’s best interest.

The tournament itself only added to his frustration. The US were hammered in team events due to some poor pairing decisions from Bradley and while there was a late push in singles, it came too late. It marked their first loss at home since 2012.

It has been a decade since his last appearance as a player and he still has not tasted victory in the Ryder Cup. But despite everything that has happened, Bradley still feels just as connected to the event as ever before.

Keegan Bradley on his difficult history with the Ryder Cup

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Few players have had a tougher relationship with the Ryder Cup than Bradley. The build-up to this year’s event brought that frustration into clear focus.

“I really would enjoy playing in one more. I don’t know if I’ll get the chance. This effing event has been so brutal to me. I don’t know if I want to play,” he said at the Travelers Championship.

Bradley swiftly retracted his statement, adding: “No, I do. It’s such a weird thing to love something so much that just doesn’t give you anything.”

The emotional toll of Bradley’s missed opportunities is obvious. This time, he was even given the option to play as captain but chose instead to focus fully on his leadership duties.

Afterwards, he was asked whether he regretted turning down the chance to compete.

Keegan Bradley reflects on decision not to play in the Ryder Cup

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Bradley had every intention of playing in New York. After winning the Travelers Championship in June, it looked like he was on track to qualify automatically.

But as his form dipped later in the season, it became harder to make the case for including him. Even though he finished inside the top 12 of Team USA’s standings, he chose to step aside and focus solely on his captaincy duties.

Watching from the sidelines as his team struggled through Friday and Saturday was not easy. Questions about pairings and course setup followed, but there was little he could do besides wish he was out there competing.

Reflecting afterwards, Bradley said: “I’ll forever wonder and wish that I had a chance to play there.

“The first practice day, I was out on the tee, and I was watching the guys walk down the fairway all together, and I said: ‘I wish I was playing. That’s what it’s all about. I’m missing out.’

“By the second or third day I was like ‘It’s a good thing I’m not playing,’ because I was so physically exhausted. … Good thing I didn’t do it, because it would have been bad. I just didn’t think I could do both jobs.”

The moment Bradley became Team USA captain by PGA of America selection likely signalled an end to any hopes of playing at Bethpage Black. Rory McIlroy even stated being a playing captain is unfeasible given how much captains have to manage these days.

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

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