Read more: Keegan Bradley Named 2025 US Ryder Cup Captain After Tiger Woods Passes on Role
Keegan Bradley made it clear at his introductory press conference as the new U.S. Ryder Cup captain that he will take an open-minded approach when it comes to selecting players from LIV Golf for next year's event at Bethpage Black.
When asked directly how he plans to handle LIV players, Bradley repeated two important words three times - "best players".
“I’m going to have the 12 best players on the team,” Bradley stated. “I don’t care what, where they play. So we’re, we have a mission to win this tournament. I’m not worried about the LIV stuff.
“I want the best players on the team.
Bradley will attempt to manage and play for Team US in the Ryder Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Bradley signaled he would be willing to scout LIV Golf events if needed to evaluate any players who may be on the fringes of making the team. Previous captain Zach Johnson had said last year that watching LIV Golf was not part of his plans.
"By the time we get to Bethpage in 2025, we have no clue how the layout of the golf world's going to be," Bradley said. "As it comes to going to LIV events, if there’s guys that are on the fringe, I’m willing to do that. Again, I’ve only been the captain for two weeks and we haven’t really even gotten the real points started, which start next year. So I’ll have to wait and see how everything shakes out, and my biggest concern is having the best players on the team.”
Johnson did end up selecting LIV player Brooks Koepka as one of his six captain's picks last year, relying on major championship results and Koepka's previousworld ranking standing. However, Johnson had said spectating LIV events would be "inappropriate".
“My point in saying that is that what’s transpiring in professional golf from a competitive level, competition level, is PGA Tour; right? It’s not PGA of America [which runs the U.S. Ryder Cup team]. So the individuals that are Americans that play on other tours that are not the PGA Tour, they could play, I mean, technically the Latin Tour or the Asian Tour or wherever. More times than not they’re going to be members of the PGA of America for a number of reasons. Our liability insurance is number one and some other benefits.
“These guys that left the PGA Tour that had status and left to play on that other tour, the LIV Tour, they’re still members of the PGA of America, so they are still able to garner points. They’re able to play in the PGA Championship as a result because that’s what the PGA of America runs. Obviously, technically, can still be a part of Team USA.”
Bradley suggested his approach may be more open-minded when it comes to considering players plying their trade on the LIV Golf circuit. He indicated being on site scouting would not be out of the question if it helps him pick the strongest team possible.
“I think the luxury of me being captain,” Johnson said, “I’m still relevant and prevalent out on the PGA Tour and that’s where my status holds. So for me to abandon that on a week where I could be out there and go where the bulk of my players are certainly going to come from there, I don’t know what time will tell, but the bulk are going to come from there would be irresponsible on my behalf and inappropriate if I were to leave what I am trying to do as a competitor and as a leader.”
The new captain also maintained a good relationship with Phil Mickelson, but did not think the controversial star was interested in a vice-captain role given his playing schedule with LIV Golf.
“I still have a great relationship with Phil. I don’t think he’s interested in being a vice-captain,” Bradley said. “And to be honest with you, he’s a captain some day, I think. But I haven’t spoken to Phil, I don’t want to speak for him at all, but I think he’s pretty busy with what he’s doing.
“I have nothing but great things to say about Phil and our memories together, and what we did at the Ryder Cup is really my fondest memories of the game.”
Overall, Bradley struck a more accommodation tone than Johnson regarding the thorny issue of LIV Golf players qualifying for the U.S. team. Time will tell if any LIV rebels ultimately crack the American squad under his leadership.
Keegan Bradley open to LIV players in Ryder Cup; doesn't see Phil Mickelson as vice captain
What are the potential challenges Bradley might face by including LIV Golf players
Keegan Bradley is finding there may be some bumps in the road with his plan to pick the best available players for the 2025 US Ryder Cup squad, regardless of what tour they compete on. While KB wants the most talented guys, including potential LIV golfers, it won't necessarily be plain sailing.
Potential Backlash from PGA Tour Loyalists
Some of Bradley's PGA Tour loyalist buddies are sure to raise eyebrows if he puts LIV guys on the team. The defection of pals like Dustin and Bubba to Greg Norman's circuit can't make those selection decisions any easier.
Logistical Challenges
Then there's the logistical nightmare of properly evaluating the Saudi league players. Without a Ryder Cup points system to rely on, Bradley says he may have to check out LIV events. But that's a lot more time-consuming than simply watching the PGA Tour.
Potential Divided Loyalties
Questions also linger around whether LIV golfers would be fully committed to the Ryder Cup cause or distracted by other obligations. Keeping everyone focused on the job at hand could turn into an ongoing challenge for Bradley.
Ongoing Uncertainty
Of course, the golf world is evolving rapidly these days. By 2025, the PGA-LIV dynamics may have been totally redrawn, adding greater uncertainty to Bradley's plans.
While attempting to field the greatest possible group, he may encounter frustration from pro-PGA voices and difficulties in properly vetting the Saudis. Only time will tell whether Bradley can effectively navigate this volatile landscape.
References: https://golf.com/news/behind-2-words-keegan-bradley-liv-golf-ryder-cup/
