(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Keegan Bradley Admits Ryder Cup Playing Role Still on His Mind
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley opened up on Monday about the emotions of leading the team at Bethpage Black, admitting he still thinks about what it would feel like to compete as a player.
“I’ve thought about it every second,” Bradley said during his press conference. “But I’ve also realized how impossible it would be.”
Balancing Dreams and Reality
Speculation had swirled in the lead-up to this week about whether Bradley might name himself as both captain and player. The idea gained traction after his win at the Travelers Championship in June. At one point, he believed he might compete, but as several Americans found form late in the season, he decided against picking himself.
Still, the thought lingers. “I catch myself looking down the fairway, watching the guys and wishing I was walking alongside them,” he admitted.
A Bigger Responsibility
Bradley has not played in a Ryder Cup since 2014, but says the experience shaped him deeply as a golfer. Now, as captain, he recognizes the responsibility is too demanding to juggle with playing duties.
“Between the preparation, the setup, and everything required this week, I couldn’t have done both at the level needed,” Bradley said. “I feel like I’ve been called for a bigger cause — to help our guys be ready.”
Pressure of the Home Advantage
As captain of a home Ryder Cup, Bradley has the benefit of course setup control and overwhelming crowd support. But he also knows expectations are high. The U.S. is widely favored, even after a heavy defeat in Italy two years ago.
For now, Bradley remains focused on leading, even if the player inside him still wonders what could have been.
