Keegan Bradley was the talk of the golfing world after he was announced as the USA’s new Ryder Cup captain.
The decision was a change from the norm for American selectors, who typically choose a more experienced name entering the twilight of their career: Steve Stricker, Davis Love III, and Jim Furyk are good recent examples.
Bradley, however, wasn’t the first choice. Tiger Woods turned down the opportunity before the selectors opted to name the 38-year-old as the new captain.
Justin Thomas was part of the selection process, and the two-time major winner admitted that Bradley’s appointment was a tough decision.
Keegan Bradley stunned by USA captaincy decision
Bradley has now spoken about his appointment, and the American admitted that his reaction to the news was somewhat unexpected.
“It’s hard to describe the feeling as I truly had no clue,” Bradley told the Fore Play Podcast. “Imagine that you guys got a call to be the Ryder Cup captain. I couldn’t believe it. They were expecting a huge reaction from me, and to be honest with you, I was shell-shocked.”
He added: “It was a surreal time. I didn’t tell anybody for about a week. Then I went to New York for captain orientation and the rollout.”
Keegan Bradley the youngest USA captain in 60 years
Bradley’s appointment as Team USA’s Ryder Cup captain means he’s the youngest to do so in over 60 years.
Arnold Palmer was four years younger when he played captain at the 1963 edition at East Lake. Ben Hogan, who played captain in 1949, was the youngest ever non-playing captain, aged 37.
As mentioned, Bradley’s appointment is a departure from the norm and a considerable risk. The USA is dominant on home soil and perhaps not in need of drastic change.
There’s every chance the Americans would’ve won at Bethpage Black with an experienced head at the helm. Now, if Bradley should fail, the decision-makers have left themselves open for criticism.
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