Keegan Bradley seeks Tiger Woods’ advice over lingering Ryder Cup problem
Keegan Bradley is one of a number of players who are in contention to play at this year’s Ryder Cup for Team USA, despite already being the captain.
Keegan Bradley has disclosed that he’s been in contact with Tiger Woods seeking guidance about potentially serving as both captain and player for Team USA’s Ryder Cup squad.
Bradley’s stellar recent performances have positioned him as a strong candidate for one of the 12 playing roles, particularly following his victory at the Travelers Championship last month. His momentum has carried into The Open Championship this week, where he carded a four-under-par 67, positioning him at three-under overall.
Another strong showing at Royal Portrush will only intensify Bradley’s predicament about whether to assume both responsibilities, though the captain is already laying the foundation for his decision.
Should he proceed, Bradley would mark the first playing captain at a Ryder Cup since 1963, although the dual role has been embraced more recently at the Presidents Cup, with Woods juggling both duties in 2019. Despite the heightened pressure of Ryder Cup competition, Bradley has turned to the 15-time major winner for guidance.
“Tiger Woods did it at the Presidents Cup. I’ve spoken to him a ton about this,” Bradley explained. There are a few other guys who have done it in the Presidents Cup. The Ryder Cup is a much different animal. But we have a plan.
“We have a for instance that could happen. That can obviously change during the week. You’ve got to see how each player is playing. But we’re learning as we go, just like everybody else.”
When pressed about Woods’ specific counsel, the captain elaborated: “Tiger has been really helpful. He obviously turned this position down, and it came to me, so he’s been very helpful in this process. Tiger has been really, really great to me over the course of my career. He does a lot of things for us players that he doesn’t do for the media.
“So he’s been really helpful to me my whole life. Really kind to me actually. During this process, he’s been one of the most helpful people that I’ve had.”
Bradley delivered an impressive second round at The Open on Friday, ensuring his participation over the weekend in the United Kingdom for the first time since 2018. Riding a wave of confidence, Bradley is convinced that he’s currently playing the best golf of his life.
“I feel like I’m a much better player right now than I’ve ever been,” he confessed. “This is the best I’ve ever played throughout my entire career. I’m a way better chipper of the ball, which I’ve worked on.
“I’m very high in the stats on the Tour, which I never have been, which is a huge help. I chipped two to a foot today that were tough chips. Putting a lot better, and I just feel a lot more comfortable being out there in these big moments. I do feel like I’m a much more well-rounded player now.”
