Keegan Bradley navigates 'strange' situation as 'forgotten' golfer amid Ryder Cup captaincy - "Don't know anyone knows how to handle this situation"
Keegan Bradley has weighed in on becoming a forgotten golfer despite getting chosen as the US Ryder Cup team captain. The American recently teed it up at the 2024 BMW Championship, where he has been impressive, taking the lead after three rounds.
However, Bradley has mostly made headlines for his role as Ryder Cup captain. During a press conference after the third round on Saturday, August 24, a reporter asked him how he saw the situation.
"You're 38 and you won twice, as recently as last season. Now people are talking about you as the captain, which is typically for some older players. Do you feel somewhat forgotten about as a player?" the reporter asked.
In response, Bradley said balancing the roles of a Ryder Cup captain and a full-time player is "strange" and that he’s not entirely sure how to go about it. However, he emphasized that he is doing his best.
Keegan Bradley said (via ASAP Sports):
"A little bit, but that's sort of been how I've gone my whole career. So I'm fine with it. To be named Ryder Cup captain and still be a full-time player is strange. I don't know anyone knows how to handle this situation. So I'm doing the best I can. The only thing I can keep doing is play my best golf and maybe play my way on to some of these teams."
Bradley took the lead at the BMW Championship after the opening round but slipped to second place after the second round. He regained the lead on Saturday by shooting a 70, bringing his score to 12-under. He will enter the final round just one stroke ahead of Adam Scott.
"Being the Ryder Cup captain is such an honor" - Keegan Bradley
In the same press conference, Keegan Bradley was asked how he would manage his responsibilities as the USA Ryder Cup captain. He said it was an honor to lead the team and that he feels special upon receiving the "energy" from fans.
Bradley said (via ASAP Sports):
"It's just incredible. Being the Ryder Cup captain is such an honor, and it comes with such a heavy weight of the world, the United States, the players out here. But when you get to feel that energy from the fans, it's really special. I haven't felt that since I played in the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, what I felt out there today. That was really cool."
Keegan Bradley will lead the USA team at the Ryder Cup in 2025. Meanwhile, he is in contention to win the 2024 BMW Championship. He has been impressive this week, shooting rounds of 66, 68, and 70 to top the leaderboard. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, August 25.
Players will tee off for the final round at 9:25 a.m. ET, with Eric Cole and Sahith Theegala taking the first shot of the day. Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott will tee off at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.