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The PGA of America announced today that Keegan Bradley has been selected to serve as captain of the 2025 United States Ryder Cup team. Bradley, 38, will lead the American squad against Europe at the famous Bethpage Black course in New York.

The appointment of Bradley comes after 15-time major champion Tiger Woods declined an offer to captain the 2025 US team. Woods had long been considered the favorite for the role given his stature in the game and history of Ryder Cup competition. However, Woods expressed concerns about having enough time to dedicate to the captaincy duties due to his various roles with the PGA Tour.

Keegan Bradley played on U.S. Ryder Cup teams in 2012 and 2014. / Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

In a statement, Bradley said he was "incredibly honored" to accept the captaincy. He expressed his passion for the Ryder Cup and belief in the American team, saying he looks forward to beginning preparations for the 2025 matches.

“I am incredibly honored to accept this opportunity to captain the United States team at the 2025 Ryder Cup,” Bradley said. “I would like to thank the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for their trust in me as we embark on this journey to Bethpage Black.

“My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particularly special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course. I look forward to beginning preparations for 2025.”

Bradley competed for the US in the 2012 and 2014 Ryder Cup, posting a solid 4-2 record over the two events. He has always been an avid supporter of the team competition and voiced disappointment after losing American team at Medinah 12 years ago.

This is my suitcase from 2012 Ryder Cup that I haven’t opened since that Sunday. I promised myself I wouldn’t open it till I won a Ryder Cup. ⁣
⁣
That week changed my prospective on golf forever. The Ryder Cup suddenly became very important to me. pic.twitter.com/RFN6mqeiWH

— Keegan Bradley (@Keegan_Bradley) August 30, 2023

Bradley's selection makes him the youngest American Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer led the 1963 team at the age of 34. His extensive experience playing the sport along with his ties to Bethpage Black - having played college golf near the course - provide an intriguing backstory as he takes on the leadership role.

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is shaping up to be a highly anticipated showdown as the Americans seek to regain the trophy against their European rivals on home soil. Bradley will look to utilize his playing experience and knowledge of the venue to help guide the US to victory.

Tiger Woods declines 2025 Ryder Cup captaincy/ Getty Images

How does the selection of Keegan Bradley impact the U.S. Ryder Cup team's dynamics

It's clear the PGA is hoping Keegan Bradley can light a fire under the American team. Those guys have been struggling in recent Ryder Cup and even got criticized for not seeming that into it. Well, passion is Bradley's middle name - the dude lives and breathes for the Ryder Cup.

At only 38, he also brings a fresh perspective as the youngest U.S. captain in forever. Nothing against the old salty vets they usually pick, but the team could probably use a jolt of new energy from a younger guy like Bradley.

Not only that, but he actually played for Team USA before back in 2012 and 2014, so he knows what it takes to compete at that level. With how into it he is, he seems like a natural to rally the troops.

On top of that, the 2025 event is taking place near where Bradley went to college in New York. So heck yeah, that's gotta pump up the hometown crowd even more to have one of their locals leading the charge.

References: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/tiger-woods-2025-us-ryder-cup-captain-status