Justin Thomas reveals whether he thinks Keegan Bradley can be a playing captain for the US Ryder Cup team

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Justin Thomas will be among the American stars aiming to impress Keegan Bradley in the months to come.

The latter has just been selected as Team USA’s captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, with the PGA of America changing tack with the appointment.

Bradley has never served in a background role for his country, unlike previous captains over the years have done.

Moreover, the 38-year-old is significantly younger than his predecessors, with Bradley 10 years younger than former captain Zach Johnson.

The decision to appoint Bradley as Team USA captain has surprised Rickie Fowler, while Xander Schauffele is excited for what is to come under Bradley at the next Ryder Cup.

Justin Thomas shares whether Keegan Bradley can be a Ryder Cup playing captain

Their fellow American Thomas has now added another layer to the discussion, sharing his thoughts on whether Bradley can also play at the event.

The tournament is scheduled for New York’s Bethpage Black next September, with Team Europe the defending champions after their win in Rome in 2023.

“He can definitely be a playing captain,” Thomas told Sky Sports. “That is kind of the thought. With John Wood being our manager, he has the opportunity to take a lot of the day-to-day or the work off Keegan, if it’s needed. 

“Or any playing captain if that’s the route we continue to go in the future. I think it’s opening up a whole new opportunity.

“No captain is going to know the players and their games and how everything is going and how they are playing better than someone who is playing with us at the highest level every single week.

“I love the pick, it’s a change of direction but for the best.”

Justin Thomas helps pick US Ryder Cup captain

Bradley is a left-field appointment for Team USA, but Thomas is clearly a fan of the six-time PGA Tour winner.

He is currently ranked 19th in the world, with the 2011 PGA Championship winner having played in two Ryder Cups.

He is 4-3-0 from his appearances in 2012 and 2014, with Thomas on the small committee who chose Bradley for the captaincy, according to Sean Zak.

“My thing is I want to pick the best captain,” said Thomas. “I don’t want it to feel like it needs to fit a certain resume. It doesn’t need to fit this right mould. Whatever it is. It’s like look, who is our best captain right now? 

“It doesn’t matter what they’ve done – are the guys going to be excited to play for him? Is he going to mesh with everybody? That’s all that matters.”