While there is absolutely no question over whether Keegan Bradley will be at the Presidents Cup next month, there is a real debate over what role the 38-year-old will be playing in Montreal.
Following his appointment as Ryder Cup captain earlier this year, Keegan Bradley was announced as one of Jim Furyk’s vice-captains for the Presidents Cup in Canada – seemingly handing him an opportunity to gain some experience. But there was always a chance that he would force his way into the team as a player.
Bradley was inside the world’s top 20 when he was named as Ryder Cup captain, so was in contention to qualify to play in the Presidents Cup. After his win at the BMW Championship last week, Bradley ended up in 10th spot in the standings – meaning that he will be relying on a captain’s pick if he is going to play against Mike Weir’s men.
Smylie Kaufman predicts whether Keegan Bradley will play in the Presidents Cup this year
There is so much depth in the American ranks, so Furyk could make a case that it would not be right to pick Bradley. However, speaking on The Smylie Show about the end of the qualification period, Smylie Kaufman admitted that he cannot see the 2011 PGA champion not playing next month.
“It’s kind of obvious to me that there’s a couple of shoo-ins that you pick, the way Sam Burns has been playing, the way Tony Finau has been playing, to me, those two guys are no-brainers,” he said.
“It feels like to me, that it would be really difficult for Jim Furyk not to pick Keegan Bradley, just with the backlash with him being in the room, I think you kind of get to see both sides of it, and personally, I think we all want to see Keegan play.”
Ryder Cup captain’s case being helped by the struggles of others
Much may depend on how The Tour Championship plays out this week. Someone like Justin Thomas may play himself into contention with his performance at East Lake. But if Bradley does play well in Atlanta, there is surely no chance that Furyk leaves him out.
It also helps that the likes of Max Homa and Brian Harman will not be involved this week. Homa, in particular, has been really struggling for form over the last few months, so it is really only his previous record in the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup which makes a case for Homa to be included.
Certainly, it would appear madness on paper if Furyk normally did not pick the 10th best player in the qualification standings after a win during the FedEx Cup play-offs.
So surely Bradley has more than one foot in the lineup ahead of next month.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
