Five things we learned from Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup press conference

After two weeks on the job, Keegan Bradley was officially announced as the next U.S. Ryder Cup captain on Tuesday afternoon in New York City.

Here are some of the revelations from the presser:

an unexpected call

Two Sunday nights ago, Bradley called PGA CEO Seth Waugh, PGA President John Lindert and last year’s U.S. Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson. The news came immediately, and from Johnson: Bradley was going to be the next US Ryder Cup captain.

“There was some pretty incredible news coming out that I had no idea was coming,” Bradley said.

Not only did Bradley not expect this news; He did not interview for the position that was initially selected for Tiger Woods. Before Woods refused, citing his inability to devote time to work. Bradley, who has two Ryder Cup wins, has the least experience of any previous US captain, he was also selected over previous assistant captains such as Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar.

“I wasn’t completely comfortable with some of the people who were let go,” Bradley said. “I have a lot of respect for the people who came before me and the people who deserved to be in this position, so it was a heavy thought and moment.”

Lindert said: “We made a few phone calls and talked about a lot of different attributes we want in our next captain. As soon as you start checking the boxes, and you have a PGA champion, you have somebody who went to school here, is familiar with the New York base, the fan base, is very familiar with Bethpage Black, is the son of a PGA member. . There were a lot of boxes that Keegan checked and his excitement for the Ryder Cup stood above everything else and we thought that was an aha-ha moment. When Keegan’s name was mentioned, everyone’s hands went up and we were behind it 100 percent.”

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Bradley is getting younger with vice captains

When it comes to Woods, Bradley said, “I’ve told him he can be involved as much as he wants.” But Bradley also vowed to take a new approach in choosing who will captain alongside him.

Last year, the U.S. vice captains were Steve Stricker, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk, Fred Couples and Cink.

“They’re going to be very young and close to playing,” Bradley said.

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Chances of selection of fewer captains

While Bradley believes the current points system is good, he hinted at the possibility of adding back “a few more automatic qualifiers”. The US moved from four picks to six ahead of the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

Bradley was also adamant that he would not select himself if he failed to qualify for the 12-man US team on points.

“I want to make the team on points, otherwise I’m going to be captain,” Bradley said.

He is currently at number 24 in the standings, so for now, Bradley will not be the playing captain. However, he firmly believes that change can come.

“I feel like I’m still in the prime of my career and can make this team,” Bradley said.

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Phil will not be vice-captain, but do not rule out LIV selection

Bradley said he still has a close relationship with Phil Mickelson, but he does not think Mickelson is interested in accepting the vice-captain role.

But as far as the matter is concerned Potentially picking LIV playersBradley did not shy away from answering.

“I’m going to have the 12 best players on the team,” Bradley said. “I don’t care where they play. So, our mission is to win this tournament. I’m not worried about the LIV stuff. I want the best players in the team. By the time we get to Bethpage in 2025, we’ll have no idea how the golf world will be laid out. As far as going to LIV programs, if there are people who are marginalized, I’m willing to do that.

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Not so fast, Netflix

Much of the last two years on Tour have been documented by Netflix cameras for the “Full Swing” documentary, including Johnson’s heartbreaking call to Bradley last year, telling Bradley he was going to Rome. Can’t make a team for. But cameras were notably absent from the U.S. team room at Marco Simone, a decision made by the players.

Bradley was asked Tuesday if that would change next year.

“I had an incredible experience with Netflix,” said Bradley. “They were very good to me. Bringing my family on TV was a big decision. This is not a decision that is for everyone. And I’ve only been captain for two weeks, I haven’t discussed this topic, I haven’t even thought about it, I don’t know who will be in the team, but it’s definitely a decision on which to base a decision. Will be taken. What’s best for the team. This is not something that is for everyone. Having to go through being filmed all the time is a nerve-wracking process and it’s something I’ll have to overcome later.