Keegan Bradley responds to question about Tiger Wood's potential Ryder Cup 2025 participation
Before Keegan Bradley was named 2025 Ryder Cup captain, the role was rumored to be going to Tiger Woods. The 82-time PGA Tour winner declined it before it was offered, citing his role with the Tour Policy Board and other duties.
That doesn't necessarily preclude Woods from being involved with Team USA, though. He served no official role in the 2023 Ryder Cup, but he did speak with and help players on the team.
As for 2025, Bradley was asked whether or not he had spoken with Woods, and if he envisaged the golfing legend being involved next year. The captain responded that he talked with the 15-time Major winner a lot when he was officially named captain. Bradley said Woods was "really helpful" and had "a lot of great advice."
He added, (via ASAP Sports),
"Again, the stress of playing in The Presidents Cup and then the Playoffs and everything that came with that, I sort of put everything on pause for a second, and I'll be addressing that in the coming weeks and months."
"But I've had great conversations with Tiger. He's a mentor of all of us, and you know, he's got a lot of great suggestions on things we can do as a team."
Bradley will be thus hoping the golf legend serves as an unofficial mentor for Bradley and perhaps for the 12 players that make the team in 2025.
Keegan Bradley on another legendary golfer's help in Ryder Cup
For the 2025 Ryder Cup, it looks like Keegan Bradley will get help from one of the most decorated golfers of all time, Tiger Woods. Meanwhile, another legendary golfer who helped Bradley in the past is Phil Mickelson.
Bradley had some pairings with Mickelson in the past in both the Presidents Cup and the Ryder Cup. That experience has proven to be invaluable to Bradley, who plans to use it to guide him in 2025.
Bradley said,
"I really, early in my career, I really took for granted Phil's leadership that he gave me and what he -- you know, I was playing with one of the best players to ever touch a golf club. In alternate-shot, he just said, 'We're going to play your ball.'"
He added Mickelson created a "relaxed atmosphere" and took pressure off of him as a young golfer. Bradley also said that Mickelson mentored him before the event, including going to dinner and advising him on what to expect.
As a result, he said, he would look to implore the veterans of his USA team, which likely includes Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and others, to do the same for young golfers next year.