Keegan Bradley is at a very interesting crossroads in his career. Now 10th in the U.S. team points standings, he is determined to earn his way onto the Ryder Cup team. With just two more FedEx Cup playoff tournaments remaining, Bradley has something to prove. He ultimately hopes to become the first playing captain for the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 62 years. If he were to be appointed, he would be the youngest American captain ever. That privilege has been held by Arnold Palmer since 1963 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
Bradley recently showcased his talent by winning the Travelers Championship, a prominent event in the golfing calendar, on June 22. This victory capped off an impressive season for him, with five top-10 finishes and nine top-25s in 19 starts. Ever since his win, he has worked tirelessly to assure that the energy has not died with him. Unfortunately for Kizzire, he hasn’t placed in the top 30 in his last four events.
Regardless of the consequences, Bradley’s supporters — golfers Patrick Cantlay and Rickie Fowler — defiantly sided with Bradley. For them, he has already shown that he deserves to be on the 12-player roster. Both players sounded confident in Bradley’s abilities and what he could bring to the team on and off the court.
“Yeah, I would pick him too,” – Rickie Fowler
Fowler acknowledged Bradley’s dilemma regarding whether he should select himself if he receives a captain’s pick, especially given his current standing.
“I know he’s maybe getting to the area on points of where he may think, like, ‘Is this a spot where I should not pick myself?’” – Rickie Fowler
Echoing Cantlay’s points on the responsibility that a potential playing captain would have, it put more onus on Bradley’s decision to enormous levels.
The FedEx Cup playoffs are just getting started! The next six golfers in points after the BMW Championship will earn their way onto the Ryder Cup team. Bradley’s new situation puts him in a place where he has to further prove his contention for a spot in, as nothing is promised.
Bradley had originally announced that he wouldn’t run unless he qualified on points. Now he’s changing tune on that bet. As he said, there should be no guilt in voting for himself if “I think I’m gonna make this team better.”
Bradley needs to finish well in the next few tournaments. His Ryder Cup hopes rest on it, which leaves him in a vulnerable position. At least based on his results thus far, he’s the top American player. If he wants to ensure his place on the team, he’ll need to play it smart through the last qualifying events.
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