Keegan Bradley claims he had ‘zero’ conversation with anyone before being announced the 2025 Ryder Cup captain by Seth Waugh

Keegan Bradley was announced as the captain of the U.S. team for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on Monday, July 8. Less than 24 hours later, Bradley held a press conference to share details of his appointment.

Among the insights Keegan Bradley offered was his surprise when he received the call informing him of his nomination. Bradley is a 38-year-old who, less than a year ago, almost made the team as a player to compete at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy.

Here is how Keegan Bradley summed it up (via The Palm Beach Post):

"I don't think I'll ever be more surprised by something in my entire life. When they called me, I felt funny after the call. I don't think I reacted in the way they expected me to. I was in complete shock. It was heavy."

Bradley also revealed that Zach Johnson, the captain who opted not to select him for last year's Ryder Cup in Rome, made the call informing him of his captaincy appointment.

"I have such respect for him," Keegan Bradley said (via the Daily Mail). "I'm so honored that he was the one who called me."

Keegan Bradley is the youngest captain in 26 years

When the Ryder Cup comes to Bethpage Black in 2025, Bradley will be the youngest captain to lead the American team in the last 26 years (12 editions). The captains during that period have been players who are nearing the end of their careers and are over 45.

Let's take a look:

2023: Zach Johnson (47 years old, 25 years as a professional)
2021: Steve Stricker (54 years old, 31 years as a professional)
2018: Jim Furyk (48 years old, 26 years as a professional)
2016: Davis Love III (56 years old, 31 years as a professional)
2014: Tom Watson (65 years old, 43 years as a professional)
2012: Davis Love III (54 years old, 29 years as a professional)
2010: Corey Pavin (51 years old, 28 years as a professional)
2008: Paul Azinger (48 years old, 27 years as a professional)
2006: Tom Lehman (47 years old, 24 years as a professional)
2004: Hal Sutton (46 years old, 23 years as a professional)
2002: Curtis Strange (47 years old, 26 years as a professional)
1999: Ben Crenshaw (47 years old, 26 years as a professional)

By contrast, Bradley will be 39 years old and 17 years into his professional career when the 2025 Ryder Cup tees off. His most recent victory on the PGA Tour came at the Travelers Championship in 2023.

Bradley has played in two Ryder Cups (2012, 2014), both times on the losing side. His record is four points in seven matches.