Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley explains why it was 'really important' for him to play the BMW Championship - "I want to be out there"
Keegan Bradley's fortune turned around during the final round of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship. He managed to qualify for the subsequent BMW Championship in 50th place after what he called 'one of the toughest afternoons' of his career.
With his 50th-place finish, not only did Bradley manage to continue in the FedEx Cup Playoffs but also earned his place in the Signature events for 2025. It was quite important for the Ryder Cup captain to be a part of the BMW Championship and future events. Bradley explained why via Golf Digest:
“I want to be out there with the guys and the Ryder Cup team. I want to be playing with them, on the range with them, in the locker room, in the tournament. It was really important for me to be in this top 50.”
Keegan Bradley will have to make six captain's picks for the 2025 Ryder Cup team for Team USA.
Keegan Bradley names the first two Team USA vice-captains for the 2025 Ryder Cup
Earlier in the year, Keegan Bradley named Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker as the first two vice-captains for Team USA for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Speaking about Snedeker, Bradley said (via the Ryder Cup):
“As I’ve started preparing for the 2025 Ryder Cup, I quickly realized that Brandt was someone I wanted by my side. Having competed in two Ryder Cups, including a stellar individual performance in 2016, Brandt’s experience and insight will surely be beneficial to our team in the months ahead.”
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage, on Team USA's home ground. Team Europe took victory during the 2023 edition, beating the US 16.5-11.5.
Bradley also spoke about why Webb Simpson would be a good fit for the Ryder Cup team. He was quoted as saying:
"Webb is someone who I have long admired and respected as a competitor and friend. He possesses a wealth of team golf experience and knows what it takes to win. Webb will be a valuable member of our leadership team and a trusted resource for me as we prepare for Bethpage Black next September.”
Keegan Bradley is currently competing at the BMW Championship where he took the lead after day 1. Bradley shot a bogey-free round of 66 to take the lead at the Castles Pines Golf Club. Hideki Matsuyama, the winner of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, finished in second place after day 1.
The top 30 players in the FedEx Cup rankings at the end of the BMW Championship will make it to the final leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, the Tour Championship.