Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Keegan Bradley told there are three players he ‘must have’ on his Ryder Cup team

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 8:53 AM ET

Keegan Bradley is already shifting his attention to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, just days after wrapping up the Tour Championship.

After finishing tied for seventh at East Lake, Bradley took a moment to congratulate Tommy Fleetwood on his win.

Fleetwood has secured his spot on the European Ryder Cup team, while Bradley will be leading Team USA as captain.

Six players have now qualified for the American squad, and Bradley announced his captain’s picks this week.

There’s also a chance he could select himself as one of the final picks when play gets underway in Long Island from September 26-28.

Keegan Bradley told there are three ‘must haves’ for his Ryder Cup team

With the captain’s announcement approaching, Bradley is facing a lot of pressure, and there’s already talk about three players he can’t afford to leave out.

Damon Hack spoke on Golf Channel about the upcoming picks, saying: “I have three locks right now.

Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

“Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay. I think they are must haves. Major champs or FedExCup champs in the case of Patrick Cantlay.

“Been there done that. Even if Collin for example, not playing to the height of his power, it is someone that you trust.”

Ryan Lavner names one American player as ‘perfect fit’ for Bethpage Black

Thomas and Morikawa finished just outside the automatic qualification spots for Bethpage Black, taking seventh and eighth place respectively.

Cantlay, who tied for second at the Tour Championship with Russell Henley, ended up in 15th place in the standings.

During a discussion on Golf Channel, Ryan Lavner said: “I agree with those three. I would throw Cam Young into that mix as well.

Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

“Big hitter, knows the golf course, he is a perfect fit for that type of golf course. Big ball park at Bethpage Black.

“He has done the exact thing you want to see over the past month and a half. Won his first tournament, played consistently well over the FedExCup Playoffs. T12 or better in all three Playoff events.”

Burns has already been selected for Team USA, which means Thomas, Morikawa, Cantlay and Young are left fighting for the few spots that remain.

Ben Griffin, Maverick McNealy and Andrew Novak are also in contention. However, if Bradley decides to pick himself again – it could shake things up again.

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

More must-reads: