Keegan Bradley continues his strong play in 2025 with a seven-under in the third round at the Tour Championship amid questions whether he’ll play in the Ryder Cup
Keegan Bradley is inching toward a tough Ryder Cup decision(Image: Getty Images)
American golfer Keegan Bradley’s decision over whether to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup keeps getting more difficult. On Saturday, the 39-year-old shot a seven-under at the Tour Championship to move just three off Patrick Cantlay and Tommy Fleetwood in the lead.
Bradley has until Wednesday to announce his 12-man Ryder Cup team. Six men have secured automatic spots: Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau.
Bradley has a robust team of co-captains, including Kevin Kisner. While the 39-year-old revealed that his decision to become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 has gotten tougher, he’s also leaning on help.
“I think it makes it a little harder, yeah,” Bradley said after his strong Saturday. “Yeah, it’s a really strange thing to kind of ponder making the picks and then thinking about picking yourself. It’s ridiculous. It doesn’t seem like reality sometimes.”
“I don’t know [which way I’m leaning],” he continued.
“We’ll have to see. I’ll have to go to NBC. I’ll talk to Kis, see what he has to say.”
“I rely on the captains. I rely on the players. But ultimately, I have to protect the team. I have to do the right thing by the team. Whatever the best decision is, we’re going to make it.”
Vice-captain Kevin Kisner is a key voice for Keegan Bradley(Image: Getty Images)
Kisner, 41, has never played on the Ryder Cup team. He hasn’t had a win since the 2021 Wyndham Championship, but he once finished second at the Open Championship and has a wealth of experience.
Bradley’s other vice captains are some of the sport’s most decorated names from the 21st century, including Jim Furyk, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker.
Additionally, Bradley hosted the six automatic qualifiers (plus the two most likely wild-cards, Justin Thomas and Morikawa) ahead of the Tour Championship.
Bradley admitted he had “no idea” what had allowed him to play so well this week despite the stress of the tournament.
“I was so tired Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I was really just truthfully trying to get through this week,” he said.
“This is a bit surprising, but just I really played spectacularly today. I’m really proud of this round…I played good yesterday, but today was like a proper ball-striking round, made the putts.
“There are a lot of tough shots coming in here now, especially today with the tee back on 15. So I’m proud of that.”
