Those making up Keegan Bradley’s backroom team at the 2025 Ryder Cup are arguably under greater scrutiny than almost any other vice-captains in the event’s history, with there now being a very real possibility that Bradley will be playing at Bethpage in September.
The chances of Keegan Bradley becoming the first playing captain at the Ryder Cup since Arnold Palmer in 1962 have increased over the last week. Of course, the 39-year-old won the Travelers Championship to move up to ninth in the qualification standings.
Bradley playing on the team has always been a possibility. He was inside the world’s top 20 when named as captain. With that, his picks as vice-captain seem particularly crucial.
Jim Furyk has captained US sides in both the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup, while Brandt Snedeker will lead the team in next year’s Presidents Cup. Webb Simpson will almost certainly get his chance at some stage.
Keegan Bradley says he is set to announce his final vice-captain for the Ryder Cup
And it appears that the final member of the backroom team will be announced shortly. Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Bradley hinted that some big news is just around the corner.
“My vice captains right now are Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson and Kevin Kisner. There is one more there that we have not announced yet that I have been sworn to secrecy, but he will be announced really soon,” he said.
“I have got to tell you. This whole process and having these vice captains has been so incredible. I am so proud to have them and when I am around them I feel really grateful that they are on my side and every decision that I have made for vice captain I have been happy with, but after I have them on board and we have some chats, I am so grateful. I could not do this without these guys.”
Keegan Bradley confirms talks with Tiger Woods
Of course, the person that many golf fans will hope to see fill that void is Tiger Woods. Woods reportedly turned down the captaincy before Bradley was selected.
Despite his decision, it seems that the 15-time major champion has been heavily involved in the preparations for Bethpage.
Bradley was asked whether he has been speaking with Woods.
“Yes. Talking with Tiger, there have been a few people during this process who have been extremely helpful and supportive and constantly checking in and Tiger has been one of them. He has been someone I can lean on, someone that has given me great advice and he is somebody who I can bounce ideas off of,” he added.
“I am not looking for someone to agree with me if they don’t. I want someone to give me their real opinion and he does that in a great way.”
You have to feel a little sorry for the final vice-captain if it is not Tiger Woods. But it would certainly excite plenty of fans if Woods did end up being involved as that may perhaps increase the likelihood of the 49-year-old being prepared to take on the top job for Adare Manor in 2027.
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