Keegan Bradley and his Ryder Cup dilemma

Odds Now golf tipster Ross Kilvington presents his new regular column discussing the latest news and topics in the world of golf.

In this first edition, Ross looks at whether Team USA captain Keegan Bradley should consider picking himself as a playing member for the 2025 Ryder Cup next month.

The biggest decision to make?

Being chosen as a Ryder Cup captain – whether it is taking charge of the USA or Europe – is naturally a career highlight for those tasked with the responsibility of winning the trophy.

Of course, the pressure is immense. From planning everything from hotel location, team outfits and vice-captains, to also analysing potential pairings, the captaincy is an all-consuming affair.

In Keegan Bradley’s case, might it be even more hectic?

The American is set to lead Team USA at Bethpage Black next month as they attempt to reclaim the cup that they lost two years ago in Rome.

But should the 2011 PGA Championship winner be picking himself for the team? Especially as his form has been incredible over the previous few months.

The decision will be weighing heavily on his mind, no doubt about that, but juggling both the captaincy and ensuring he is performing well on the course could prove to be a step too far.

Bradley could be the first playing captain since 1963

A playing captain in the Ryder Cup used to be the norm rather than the exception.

Indeed, from the inaugural event in 1927 until 1963, when the competition was extended to three days, there were a total of 23 playing captains.

Walter Hagen was playing captain on five occasions, while Dai Rees represented Great Britain as a playing captain four times, famously helping his side win the 1957 event.

Arnold Palmer was the last golfer on either side to play in the Ryder Cup as a captain, winning four of his six matches in 1963.

Given the demands of the modern captaincy, no captain has dared to even attempt doing both jobs.

Despite this, there are unlikely to be too many complaints from those on the other side of the pond should Bradley choose himself.

"I promise you we're going to make the best decision for the team, and it's going to be controversial either way," the American said last week.

"I'm ready for it," he said. "I know this is the biggest decision of my life.”

Bradley is certainly keeping his cards close to his chest at this stage.

Form is key for Bradley’s inclusion

Team USA is already halfway to being finalised. Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau have each secured their spots for Bethpage.

Bradley has six picks left to make up his group. The likes of Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin and Patrick Cantlay all look like locks for Team USA.

The man himself​ is 11th in the Ryder Cup rankings – and his recent form suggests he more than merits a space for Bethpage.

The 39-year-old won the Travelers Championship a few months ago and claimed the 2024 BMW Championship last August.

And last week, he enjoyed a solid Tour Championship, finishing T7 at 13-under to wrap up an epic 2025 season on yet another high note.

Bradley’s record at the Ryder Cup is decent, too, winning four of his seven matches across the 2012 and 2014 editions.

While his last appearance may have been 11 years ago, Bradley’s form, combined with the fact that he is currently one of the 12 best Americans, means Team USA would only be strengthened by him picking himself.

In doing so, we would be witnessing something that hasn’t happened in 62 years.