The hit Netflix series ‘Full Swing’ almost pitted Keegan Bradley and Justin Thomas against each other in the build-up to the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.
The duo were depicted as the only choice for captain Zach Johnson: Bradley or Thomas, take your pick. However, what was presented on the popular streaming service was a distorted portrayal of what actually transpired.
Thomas has confirmed he wasn’t campaigning for a spot after several scenes emerged of himself, Jordan Spieth and Johnson spending time together at tournaments during the 2023 season.
Bradley also believes Netflix portrayed him as an outsider, which was not the case. He’s been a member of two Ryder Cup teams himself, and few love the event more than the 38-year-old.
Thomas and Bradley are now playing together at Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge, and the 2022 PGA Championship winner believes their relationship has grown over the past two years.
Justin Thomas plays with Keegan Bradley at the Hero World Challenge
Speaking after Thursday’s first round at Albany in the Bahamas, Thomas revealed that he and Bradley had practiced a lot together over the past 24 months.
“No. Keegan’s become a really good buddy of mine the last couple years,” Thomas said. I mean, we’ve been friendly and practiced a bunch together down in Jupiter, but I think we both — we respect each other’s games and work ethics.
“I know he works really, really hard. And I also, especially now, being a father, it’s really cool to watch how close he is with his kids. I mean, you know, he’s out at the golf course just grinding his tail off, and he knows he’s going to go home and play every sport imaginable with his kids. Being — obviously, Molly’s a couple of weeks old versus, what, 7 and 2 or 3 like his, but it’s still cool to see that, and I think it’s something that I respect out of him, so we always enjoy playing together.”
Justin Thomas helps pick Keegan Bradley as 2025 Ryder Cup captain
Interestingly, after the selection drama portrayed by Netflix, Thomas played an essential role in selecting Bradley as captain for the 2025 Bethpage Black event.
“It was tough, but there was a lot of conversation looking at it and hitting it from every single angle, and everyone on board thought this was the best option,” the two-time major winner revealed.
Given Thomas’ recent form, he may not be reliant on a pick when the tough decisions are made next September. The American has been grinding on his game during the off-season and almost returned to the winners’ circle at the ZOZO Championship.
Furthermore, during the first round of the Hero World Challenge, Thomas caught fire on the back nine, making four birdies in a row to close out his opening round.
His game is undoubtedly trending the right way, and the Louisville-born star could be one to watch when the 2025 season gets underway at The Sentry in just a matter of weeks.
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