Brian Harman shares how he reacted when finding out Keegan Bradley was to be named US Ryder Cup captain

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Brian Harman has issued his verdict on the news that Keegan Bradley has been named as the US captain for the Ryder Cup in New York next year.

When the news emerged that Tiger Woods had turned down the chance to captain Team USA at the 2025 Ryder Cup, few would have been able to predict where the PGA of America would turn next.

Keegan Bradley was confirmed as Zach Johnson’s successor, with the 38-year-old tasked with trying to regain the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Bradley is in contention to make the Presidents Cup team later this year, having moved into the top 20 in the world after a recent resurgence in form. So there is a very real possibility that he could be in contention to make next year’s team as a playing captain.

Brian Harman reacts to Keegan Bradley being named US Ryder Cup captain

It is certainly a shocking move from the outside to see Bradley named as captain. And speaking in his press conference ahead of The Open Championship, Brian Harman – who made his Ryder Cup debut in Rome last year – insisted that he did not expect the appointment either.

“Yeah I think I shared everyone’s surprise that he was named. But as far as tenacity, I don’t know if anyone loves the Ryder Cup as much as Keegan does, and I think he’ll be a fantastic captain,” he said.

“The players are going to mirror, I don’t want to say morale, but the enthusiasm of their captain and he won’t be lacking for anything in that regard. I think he’ll do great.”

A glimpse of the US’s future?

The decision to appoint Bradley could have implications for how America pick their captains for years to come, particularly if it proves to be an inspired move and Bradley leads his side to victory.

Of course, Woods is surely going to captain a side in the future if he wants the role. But players such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson may have taken themselves out of contention with their moves to LIV Golf.

Rickie Fowler will be Bradley’s age when the 2027 Ryder Cup comes around, while Harman was one of six other players on the 2023 side who had already passed 30 by the time they teed it up in Rome. So if the Bradley gamble pays off, America could have an outstanding list of captains waiting in the wings.