Keegan Bradley names the two American golfers whose performances at The Open have ‘really excited’ him already

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Keegan Bradley has strengthened his Ryder Cup playing claims further after making the cut at The Open Championship.

Bradley will definitely be the Ryder Cup captain for hosts America, but there is a chance he could play at the event given his displays this season.

The US Ryder Cup captain won the Travelers Championship last month for his first PGA Tour win of the season, and the eighth of his career.

Bradley also has five top 10s in 2025 and nine top 25s, and has just continued his fine run by making the weekend at The Open.

But leading the way by the time he entered the clubhouse was Brian Harman, who the Ryder Cup captain discussed upon finishing his second round.

Keegan Bradley ‘really excited’ by two American players at The Open

Asked how happy he is with American players at The Open so far, Bradley told BBC Radio 5 Live: “When I look at the leaderboard, that’s my first thought – where are the boys at?

“And when I see them up there I’m really excited. Brian’s playing good, Harris [English] is playing good so that’s a good thing.”

READ MORE: Jordan Spieth has clear instructions for Keegan Bradley over whether he should play at the Ryder Cup in September

And when questioned again if he will play at the team event this year, Bradley responded: “I’m focused on being the captain. I never really thought of playing, to be honest with you.

“I want to do what’s best for the team, whether playing or not. A good weekend here could change that as well.”

Keegan Bradley strengthens Ryder Cup playing claims as he makes the cut at The Open

Harman has stolen the show on day two of The Open at Royal Portrush, much like English had done on day one.

But Bradley has also been impressing, starting with a one-over 72 before a hugely impressive 67 to finish on three-under and reach the weekend.

READ MORE: Keegan Bradley name drops three American players he’s got to know much better recently ahead of the Ryder Cup

And making that achievement more significant is the fact that the American had missed the cut at each of the last five Opens.

That miserable run ironically started at Royal Portrush in 2019, where he has now just posted the round of the day, going bogey-free, only to be outdone by Harman’s 65 shortly after.

And he can take great confidence from his latest efforts as the Ryder Cup approaches, particularly given this is the last major championship before Bethpage Black.

Analysing his second round, Bradley said: “It’s the best round at The Open I’ve played in a very long time so I’m proud of that.

“The weather is great. There is a little bit of wind but nothing major but no rain and it’s a joy to play out there today.”

Sir Nick Faldo thinks Bradley should play at the Ryder Cup, which takes place in New York at the end of September.

He currently occupies ninth place in the US team rankings, with Scottie Scheffler the only player qualified at this stage.

And while Bradley is clearly keeping a close eye on many players at Portrush this week, he will now have major plans of his own for Saturday and Sunday.