In a stunning display of matchplay prowess, US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley secured a commanding $2.1 million victory at the revived Skins Game, outperforming European Ryder Cup heroes Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry.
The event, held at Panther National in Florida on Black Friday, marked Bradley's first competitive appearance since the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. His performance served as a powerful statement, demonstrating why many believed he should have selected himself for the American team that lost to Europe in September.
Skins Game Drama Unfolds
The Thanksgiving Skins Game, brought back for the first time since 2008 by Prime Video, featured a unique 'reverse purse' format where players started with $1 million but lost money for every hole they failed to win. All four competitors, including world number three Xander Schauffele, wore microphones throughout the 16-hole contest, creating an entertaining atmosphere filled with light-hearted banter.
Bradley delivered a masterclass in matchplay putting, ultimately winning 11 skins throughout the competition. The first four holes were halved, causing the prize money to carry over and build significantly. The tension mounted as players competed for increasing amounts on each subsequent hole.
European Stars Fall Short
Tommy Fleetwood, who had been instrumental in Europe's Ryder Cup victory, made a dramatic six-foot birdie putt on the final hole worth $1.125 million, securing second place with total winnings of $1.7 million. Shane Lowry, a late replacement for the injured Justin Thomas, managed to claim just one skin during the competition, finishing with $200,000.
The Irishman didn't miss an opportunity for some Ryder Cup-related humour, remarking to Bradley during their round: 'I have just spent the last few months breaking Keegan Bradley's heart.' Lowry's mood briefly soured after missing a putt on the fifth hole, with Schauffele jokingly offering: 'Do you want to swear - there is a five-second delay so it is fine.'
Bradley's Redemption Arc
For Bradley, the victory provided a measure of redemption after the disappointment of the Ryder Cup. The 39-year-old had chosen not to pick himself as a player despite his victory over Fleetwood at the Travelers Championship in June.
During the Skins Game, Bradley opened up about the burden of the Ryder Cup defeat, revealing: 'It has been tough. I feel I let some people down. It is a heavy burden. You knew it could be the outcome but the glory is so big. We are getting better every day.'
The American's crucial moment came on the 160-yard par-3 13th hole, where he sank a 15-foot birdie putt to claim $900,000. 'I was really, really nervous over that putt,' he admitted afterwards.
Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele, who was the USA's joint top points scorer at the Ryder Cup, had a disappointing outing, failing to win any skins and finishing with nothing. The world number three maintained his sense of humour despite the result, stating he would frame his $0 cheque as motivation, adding: 'This is probably the last Skins Game I will ever play.'
Reflecting on his victory, Bradley expressed his appreciation for participating in the historic event: 'I really feel lucky. I grew up watching the Skins Game. I feel really lucky to be out here and play for this sort of money and to be able to be a part of this Skins Game's history.'
The event marked a successful revival of the Thanksgiving golf tradition, last held in 2008, with Bradley's $2.1 million haul representing a significant increase from the $170,000 Gary Player won in the inaugural Skins Game against golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer back in 1983.
