Keegan Bradley named 2025 Ryder Cup captain as Team USA makes shock pick after Tiger Woods 'rejected the job for New York showdown'

Keegan Bradley will lead the United States in next year’s Ryder Cup revenge mission against Europe after Tiger Woods turned down the role.

The PGA of America had been engaged in lengthy discussions with Woods about the post, but his reservations about the time commitments involved scuppered those plans and opened the door to the surprise decision to go with Bradley.

His elevation to the job for the match at Bethpage Black, New York comes just 10 months after he was left heartbroken by Zach Johnson’s decision to snub him for a captain’s pick in Rome. At world No 19, and a two-time winner on the PGA Tour last season, the 38-year-old would likely have harbored serious hopes of playing in the 2025 showdown, but his well-documented passion for the Cup has been seen as an asset to guide the team.

‘I am incredibly honored to accept this opportunity to captain the United States Team at the 2025 Ryder Cup,’ said Bradley, whose two appearances in the match in 2012 and 2014 ended in defeat. ‘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.’

While Bradley, the 2011 US PGA champion, will guarantee a full-blooded approach in what was already sure to be a febrile atmosphere, there is no doubting he was not the first choice. However, with Woods heavily involved in golf’s merger discussions, the 15-time major winner has increasingly talked down the prospect of accepting a job that was effectively his to turn down.

The US will be favorites by virtue of home advantage, but Bradley will have to play catch-up with a European operation that was quick to re-enlist Luke Donald after he orchestrated a heavy victory in Rome.

'I am proud and excited to name Keegan Bradley as Captain of the 2025 United States Ryder Cup Team,' said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing, confirming Bradley's appointment.  

'Keegan's past 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. We are confident that with Keegan at the helm, the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Team will compete at Bethpage with the same confidence and determination that has defined his career.'

Bradley has competed in two Ryder Cups with the USA suffering defeat in both editions. He made his debut in 2012 when the Europeans prevailed in a miraculous comeback victory, dubbed the 'Miracle of Medinah.'

He made his second appearance at Gleneagles in Scotland in 2014 when the Europeans, captained by Paul McGinley, prevailed on home soil. 

He owns a career Ryder Cup record of 4-3-0 including 2-1-0 in foursomes and 2-0-0 in four-ball.

Bradley's passion at the biennial events has been lauded and will be seen as an important asset as he leads the Americans in their redemption mission in front of a raucous New York crowd. 

At age 38, Bradley will be the youngest US Ryder Cup captain since playing-captain Arnold Palmer in 1963, who was then 34. 

Bradley was infamously snubbed by Johnson for the 2023 edition at Marco Simone, missing out despite winning two event son the PGA Tour that season and ranking higher than Thomas in the Ryder Cup standings. 

His emotional phone call with Johnson, who informed him that he would not be making the flight to Rome, was captured during season 2 of Netflix's 'Full Swing.' The USA went on to lose to Luke Donald's Europe by five points, extending their 30-year drought without an away victory. 

Stewart Cink, Fred Couples and Davis Love III had all been touted as potential contenders following Woods' rejection of the role.