BBC Golf: Keegan Bradley Appointed as Next U.S. Ryder Cup Captain

[Published: May 1, 2023 | Source: The Athletic]

In a surprising move, Keegan Bradley has been named the next U.S. Ryder Cup captain, as first reported by Sports Illustrated and confirmed by The Athletic. The 38-year-old PGA Championship winner is set to lead the American team at the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Bradley’s appointment marks a significant shift in the U.S. approach to the prestigious team event. Known for his passion and emotional investment in the Ryder Cup, the former “outsider” on the PGA Tour has won over golf fans through his candid appearances in the “Full Swing” docuseries.

The decision by the PGA of America to go with Bradley, rather than following the traditional route of selecting a veteran former pro, suggests a desire to build a U.S. team culture centered on intensity and enthusiasm for the cup format. Bradley’s unwavering commitment and willingness to “give a crap”, as described in the article, are seen as valuable assets in reversing the Americans’ recent Ryder Cup woes.

However, Bradley’s young age and relative lack of iconic status within the current generation of top American golfers raise questions about whether the superstar players will fully embrace his leadership. The article explores the potential tensions around his relationships with the so-called “boys club” of Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and others.

Nonetheless, the bold move to appoint Bradley signals the U.S. team’s desire to recapture the emotion and intensity that have historically been the hallmarks of successful Ryder Cup campaigns on home soil. As the article suggests, this decision could either blow up in the PGA of America’s face or prove to be an enormous success in revitalizing the American squad.

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