Keegan Bradley was named captain of the U.S. team for the 2025 Ryder Cup on Monday, taking over after Tiger Woods reportedly turned down the role.
Bradley, 38, has played in just two Ryder Cups, including one at the Presidents Cup, and is a surprise choice for the U.S. captaincy.
Woods was long believed to be the favorite for the position, but on Monday several American media reported that he had withdrawn from the race.
That means Bradley will lead the bid to reclaim the title from Europe next year at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.
“Keegan’s previous Ryder Cup experience, strong relationships and unwavering passion for this event will prove invaluable as he guides the U.S. team over the next year and a half,” said PGA of America Chairman John Lindert.
“We are confident that with Keegan at the helm, the US Ryder Cup team will compete at Bethpage in 2025 with the same confidence and determination that has characterised his career.”
Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship winner, was a controversial absentee from the U.S. team that lost convincingly to Europe in Rome last year.
He finished just outside of automatic team qualification and was overlooked for captaincy selection by then-captain Zach Johnson.
“My passion and appreciation for the greatest team event in golf has never been greater,” Bradley said Monday.
“The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport. This edition will undoubtedly be special, given the rich history and the enthusiastic crowds on this iconic course.”
