Keegan Bradley has hit back at Rory McIlroy after making the difficult decision not to play in the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage. The US captain also dismissed calls from President Donald Trump to include himself in the team, instead selecting Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns to join Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Harris English, Russell Henley and Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy had previously stated that it was not possible for a captain to also play, but Bradley was dismissive of the European star's opinion. 'I just am not worried at all about what they do or say. I care about our team,' Bradley said. 'I'm not quite sure how he would know if it's not possible. No one has ever done it really.'
Bradley revealed that he had long made up his mind not to play, despite a mid-season wobble. 'I was confident that if I did need to play, I had incredible vice captains that I could lean on,' he added. 'But I’ve said through this process over and over and over, I was going to do what I thought was best for the team and this was the decision that I thought was best.'
Trump had taken to social media earlier this week to say Bradley should 'definitely' play, but the captain smiled off the suggestion. 'Anytime you get the support of the President of the United States, it’s really surreal and stunning. I really appreciate it, Mr. President. I hope you’re not disappointed!'
Bradley opened up on the emotional toll of the decision, admitting it 'broke my heart' not to play. 'Monday was tough for me. I was just alongside the guys that didn’t make the team. I was moping around, I was bummed out, but quickly you realise what a dream it is to be a Ryder Cup captain.' He added: 'I know 100 per cent certain that this is the right choice.'
