Justin Thomas says he ‘can definitely’ replace Keegan Bradley as the US Ryder Cup Captain
Justin Thomas was part of the Ryder Cup Committee that picked Keegan Bradley to lead the US Team in 2025. The PGA Tour star seems happy with the decision him and the group made. He also seems on board the idea that Bradley could be a ‘playing captain.’
Interestingly, Thomas also suggested that he himself could ‘definitely’ be a playing captain. The 31-year-old’s comment came while replying to a media query about the prospect of the new skipper being on the field in Bethpage. While the golfer seems like he made the remark as a joke, neither he nor the interviewer laughed.
Replying to a media query on his thoughts of Keegan Bradley becoming a playing captain for the US Ryder Cup team, Justin Thomas said ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open (at 2:16):
“I can definitely be a playing captain.”
Thomas went on to laud Bradley. The two-time major champion also noted that Ryder Cup team manager John Wood would take up some parts of the captaincy role in order to ease the new skipper into playing role.
Justin Thomas added:
“I think that's the thought, I mean, with John Wood being our manager, I think he has the opportunity to really take a lot of the day-to-day or a lot of the work really off of Keegan if it's needed or any playing captain if that's the route we continue to go in the future. I just think it's opening up a whole new opportunity.”
Justin Thomas further advocated the importance of having a playing captain. He noted that golfers competing at the “highest level every single week” know their peers, which in turn helps them understand their teammates.
The former world number one golfer reiterated that the decision to pick 38-year-old Bradley is a “change of direction but for the best.”
Keegan Bradley wants to play in the Ryder Cup 2025
Justin Thomas’ comments on having a playing captain came after Bradley confessed his wish to be one. The ace golfer, during his introduction as the new US Ryder Cup captain for 2025 on Tuesday, revealed his wish to try and qualify for the team in New York.
The 2011 PGA Championship winner claimed that he is ‘still in the prime of his career’. However, he claimed that he wouldn’t be picking himself in the squad unless he was deemed fit for it by his teammates.
Keegan Bradley told the media after his captaincy role announcement:
“I feel as though I’m still in the prime of my career and can make this team… I’m not going to pick myself. The only way that would happen is if the team was insisting it but even if they did, I don’t see that happening. I want to make the team on points, otherwise I’m going to be the captain.”
It is pertinent to note that Bradley’s captaincy pick has garnered divided reactions. While many, including players, seem happy with the decision, some fans have questioned his eligibility for the role. Notably, names like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were being discussed as potential skippers before the 38-year-old was announced.