NEW YORK — The Google Meet call stretched over an hour and a half but ultimately wrapped up within five minutes.
With Tiger Woods officially stepping down as the frontrunner after months of speculation, the question loomed: who will lead the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black?
A bitter five-point defeat at Marco Simone in Rome left a sour taste for the U.S. team. European captain Luke Donald was reappointed just eight weeks after the crushing loss. Now, with Woods bowing out of consideration due to the PGA Tour-PIF negotiations, the Americans were forced to come up with a backup plan. The clock was ticking with thirteen months left until the 45th Ryder Cup.
Outgoing PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, along with Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, PGA of America president John Lindert, vice president Don Rea, and U.S. team manager John Wood gathered for a video call during the Travelers Championship to decide on the next U.S. captain.
The pool of candidates all came from the Ryder Cup “task force” pipeline established in 2014. Names like Fred Couples, Stewart Cink, and two-time captain Davis Love III were considered due to their extensive experience in the event. However, after the disappointing loss in Rome, the U.S. team needed to think outside the box. Zach Johnson, under scrutiny for his poor leadership in Rome, was ruled out.
Woods’ decision to decline the captaincy prompted a “generational change,” according to a source familiar with the decision. The time had come for the Americans to take a risk and make a bold move.
During the Ryder Cup Committee call, Waugh was the first to mention Keegan Bradley as a potential candidate, sparking a discussion among the group. After considering various options, Bradley’s name caught everyone’s attention and quickly garnered unanimous support.
Bradley, a passionate Ryder Cup enthusiast with a PGA Championship win under his belt, emerged as the consensus choice for the next U.S. captain. The decision marked a departure from tradition, as Bradley had never played in a Ryder Cup before.
The move signaled a shift in the U.S. Ryder Cup organization. The creation of the Ryder Cup “task force” in 2014 aimed to bring in fresh faces and create continuity within the team. However, it had inadvertently led to a cycle of repetitive leadership from former captains.
Johnson’s leadership during the 2023 Ryder Cup exemplified the problem, as he leaned on experienced veterans as vice-captains, creating a significant age gap within the team. The plan backfired, leading to accusations of favoritism and creating a stagnant environment.
Bradley’s appointment heralded a new era for the U.S. team, focusing on modernization and rejuvenation. The decision to choose Bradley as the captain was a bold step towards revitalizing the team’s approach to the Ryder Cup.
The surprise announcement was made in Times Square, where Bradley, alongside PGA of America officials, addressed the media about his unexpected appointment as the next U.S. Ryder Cup captain.
Bradley expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his determination to lead the team effectively, despite initial doubts about his selection.
Woods’ decision to step aside paved the way for Bradley’s appointment, offering a fresh perspective and a break from the status quo.
Bradley’s close connection with his peers and his commitment to modernizing the team’s approach were highlighted as key factors in his selection. His vision for the team included younger vice-captains, a more inclusive selection process, and a focus on performance over affiliations.
Bradley’s appointment as captain symbolized a new chapter for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, one that embraced change and looked towards a brighter future.
(Top photo: Seth Wenig / AP)