Keegan Bradley’s win at the Travelers Championship on Sunday has stirred a buzz of excitement and irony around the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Having long aspired to play in the Ryder Cup, Bradley’s career year has paved an unexpected path towards not just joining, but leading the team as a playing captain.
Throughout his journey, Bradley, a two-time Ryder Cup participant, markedly shifted gears when he assumed the captain role last year, determined that his captaincy duties wouldn’t include a playing spot – unless he earned it strictly through points.
His victory at the Travelers, however, might just change the narrative. While he sidestepped a direct answer from CBS's Amanda Balionis right after sinking the decisive birdie putt, the reality became clearer as he sat behind the interview podium. His latest triumph elevates him to seventh in the Official World Golf Rankings and ninth in U.S. Ryder Cup points, making the notion of his participation more than just a fanciful idea.
Not since Bubba Watson’s exclusion in 2016 has a top-10 player been left off a Ryder Cup team. Bradley is currently tenth in total strokes gained this season and ranks third in strokes gained tee to green, strengthening his case further for a spot in the lineup.
With plenty of golf left before automatic selections close on Aug 17, and captain picks following the Tour Championship, Bradley faces a crossroads in his dual roles. “Winning changes things,” Bradley admitted. “The possibility of playing opens up, and I’m considering how best I can serve the team.”
When he first received the captaincy call from former PGA CEO Seth Waugh, the idea of being a playing captain – the first since Arnold Palmer’s historic role in 1963 – was planted. Bradley acknowledged his game is at an all-time high, and if chosen to play at Bethpage Black, he intends to retain his captaincy with the aid of his assistant team: Jim Furyk, Webb Simpson, Kevin Kisner, and Brandt Snedeker.
“I’ll play if it’s the right call for the team,” said Bradley. Judging by his current form and standing, that decision seems increasingly likely.
