[ad_1]
valderrama Golf El Andalucía Masters – header.jpg
The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup takes place at Bethpage Black in September, when holders Europe will be looking to win on US soil for the first time since Medinah in 2012.
With just the six captain’s picks for team Europe to go before the two 12-man teams are known, we have taken a look at the two individuals who will be leading their sides into battle in New York.
Keegan Bradley – US Captain
It came as quite the surprise when Keegan Bradley was confirmed as the USA’s captain back in July 2024, given that he is just 39 years of age and is still competing at the top of the game.
Indeed, the 2011 PGA Championship winner came close to qualifying automatically for the team and he had a big decision as to whether he should pick himself and be a playing captain.
Ultimately, Bradley opted against taking one of the six spots, instead confirming Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns.
Speaking on the decision not to choose himself, Bradley said at a news conference: “The decision was made a while ago, that I wasn’t playing. The last 48 hours we had the team set.
“This was a really tough decision. There was a point a while ago where I was playing.
“It was an extremely difficult decision, but one that I am happy with. I’m glad it’s over.”
What is Bradley’s Ryder Cup record?
As a player Bradley featured in the 2012 and 2014 Ryder Cups, ending up on the losing side both times.
The American formed a successful partnership with Phil Mickelson at Medinah 13 years ago, the duo winning all three matches played together, before Bradley lost to Rory McIlroy in the singles.
In 2014, Bradley lost two and won one of his three matches, taking his overall Ryder Cup win-loss-halve record to 4-3-0.
Who are Bradley’s vice-captains for the 2025 Ryder Cup?
Bradley has named five vice-captains, with 2018 skipper Jim Furyk the most experienced of the quintet.
Webb Simpson, who played in three Ryder Cups but never ended up on the winning side, and Brandt Snedeker – who was part of the 2012 and 2016 sides – have also been confirmed.
Kevin Kisner and Gary Woodland, both of whom have no Ryder Cup experience, complete Bradley’s team.
Who will be the next US captain?
After Tiger Woods turned down the chance to be USA’s 2025 captain, it is thought he could be convinced to take the role for the 2027 edition at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland.
Steve Stricker captained the US to a 19-9 rout of Europe in 2021 at Whistling Straits and he could be tempted to take up the position for a second time.
Fred Couples has a wealth of Ryder Cup experience, having played in the event five times and also been vice-captain on three occasions. He could be a good fit for 2027.
Luke Donald – Europe captain
Luke Donald wasn’t initially picked to be Europe’s captain back in 2023, as this accolade was bestowed to Henrik Stenson, but the latter was removed from the role by the European Tour after joining LIV Golf.
Donald was confirmed as his replacement and he managed to guide Europe to a comfortable 16.5-11.5 victory over the United States at Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy.
The 47-year-old was offered the chance to keep the reins for the 2025 event and he accepted, becoming the first back-to-back captain since Bernard Gallacher, who was in charge for three successive Ryder Cups from 1991-1995.
What is Donald’s Ryder Cup record?
Donald had an exemplary playing record in the Ryder Cup, ending up winning on all four occasions (2004, 2006, 2010 & 2012).
The Englishman’s overall win-loss-halve record was 10-4-1, and he won three of his four singles matches.
Who are Donald’s vice-captains for the 2025 Ryder Cup?
Donald has named four of his five vice-captains from the 2023 edition for this trip to Bethpage Black, with Francesco Molinari, Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjorn and Jose Maria Olazabal confirmed.
Bjorn was skipper when Europe dominated at Le Golf National in 2018, while Olazabal was at the helm for the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012.
Who will be the next European captain?
Justin Rose, who qualified automatically for Europe’s team this year, has been touted as captain for the next edition by Sir Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance and Sandy Lyle.
The Englishman told the Sky Sports Golf Podcast that it was an “interesting one” and something he could do in the future, but he remains uncertain whether that will be in 2027 or not.
Graeme McDowell says he still has “something to give back” to the Ryder Cup, although his ties with LIV Golf make it difficult to see him part of the set-up, while the same goes for the likes of Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Stenson, Martin Kaymer and Ian Poulter.
[ad_2]