This may very well represent our best chance to see another playing captain in the Ryder Cup. By appointing Bradley ahead of time, the PGA of America placed him in a challenging situation, considering his competitive career is still alive and kicking.
Consequently, one could argue that the U.S. team may have missed out on including one of their top twelve golfers—potentially undermining their efforts to reclaim the trophy.
Bradley’s fervor and playing ability checked all the boxes for the six wildcard selections he announced. “They are all incredibly gritty, tough competitors,” the captain remarked.
“They’ve proven themselves at elite levels, and they’ve been in the Ryder Cup bubble for nearly six weeks, performing exceptionally well.”
Bradley believes that the high caliber of play made it simpler for him to exclude himself. However, had another captain been in charge, he might have felt overlooked, much like he did when Zach Johnson omitted him two years prior.
Choosing Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay was an obvious decision, as they offer critical experience and robust matchplay records—Cantlay notably boasts a 15-6-1 record in U.S. team events.
Cameron Young, a New Yorker famed for setting a record at Bethpage Black during his amateur days and recently clinching his first PGA Tour title, was a natural pick given his form and history.
Moreover, Ben Griffin’s remarkable consistency—having transitioned from office work back to professional golf—adds an inspiring narrative likely to resonate in the locker room.
Although Sam Burns’ putting skills might pose a challenge for Luke Donald’s European side, the inconsistent performance of two-time major champion Collin Morikawa in 2025 raises questions about his selection as one of the fortunate picks.