Keegan Bradley predicts what Tiger Woods would’ve done if he was made Ryder Cup captain at his age

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Keegan Bradley has made a great point about Tiger Woods when discussing his form ahead of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Bradley was named as the US Ryder Cup team captain last year, but not many people were expecting him to play so well during the 2025 PGA Tour season.

And now the eight-time PGA Tour winner has used Tiger Woods as an example when discussing his form ahead of the showdown with the Europeans in New York next month.

His fine form has led to some difficult decisions that need to be made – notably whether or not he picks himself to play at Bethpage Black.

Many top American players are urging Bradley to name himself on the Ryder Cup team, and it is very clear that he’s one of the best 12 players from the United States right now.

In fact, you could make a case for him being one of the best four Americans on the PGA Tour this season, behind Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun and perhaps Russell Henley.

However, Bradley is still giving nothing away regarding whether he’ll play at the Ryder Cup in September.

That said, his form at the Tour Championship makes it seem unthinkable that the 39-year-old from Vermont will leave himself off the team.

Keegan Bradley makes Tiger Woods comment regarding his form ahead of the Ryder Cup

Bradley fired a third round 63 at the Tour Championship to back up the 64 that he shot on day two at East Lake.

Firstly, Bradley was asked about his thoughts on his round in general.

He said: “One of the best rounds of the year for me. Even my one bogey I hit two perfect shots and three putted. So I am really proud of this round today.“

The 39-year-old was then asked whether his final round at East Lake will influence his decision regarding whether or not he picks himself for the Ryder Cup.

Bradley responded: “Tomorrow I am trying to win the FedEx Cup. After my first round I was so far back, then after these two rounds I am a little surprised to be in this position but I have a lot of great players around me but I will go out there and give it a go tomorrow.“

It was then put to Bradley that people are shocked regarding how well he is playing at the same time as being the Ryder Cup captain.

He responded by saying: “I think people are quick to give you their opinions on stuff. There is no track record of a Ryder Cup captain playing poorly when they are my age. Nobody has done it. If they gave the Ryder Cup captaincy to Tiger or Phil at my age, they would have been doing this too. Better than me! So I have never had that mentality but it has been a little surprising.“

That is actually a great point from Bradley. The key issue here though is; why was a player who was 38 at the time named as the Ryder Cup captain?

The answer to that question has already been given.

PGA of America want younger Ryder Cup captains

The PGA of America made a conscious decision to mix things up after the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy.

They no longer wanted older Ryder Cup captains who weren’t playing regularly on the PGA Tour anymore.

Instead, the PGA of America were insistent on appointing younger captains who were immersed in Tour life on a day-to-day basis.

Gone are the days of Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker. The Americans are hoping that Bradley will usher in a sustained new period of success.

However, it will be interesting to see whether Tiger Woods will get the gig in 2027, when he will be 51.

First and foremost though, the United States need to wrestle the Ryder Cup trophy back from the Europeans, and that will be a tall order given the quality and strength in depth of Luke Donald’s line-up.