THE Ryder Cup is almost here as Europe and the USA face off in one of the world’s best sporting events.
In 2023, Luke Donald captained Team Europe to victory as they secured a 16½-11½ win on home soil.
Europe are the defending Ryder Cup champions[/caption]
But this year, the Ryder Cup returns to US shores, where they haven’t lost since 2012.
Keegan Bradley is the captain of Team USA this year, succeeding Zach Johnson.
There is controversy surrounding Bradley ahead of the 45th Ryder Cup, as there is heavy speculation around him potentially picking himself for the team.
Can Ryder Cup captains pick themselves?
Ryder Cup captains CAN pick themselves to compete for their respective team.
Bradley is heavily tipped to pick himself to be a part of Team USA, which would make him the first playing captain in 62 years.
Arnold Palmer was the last playing captain in the Ryder Cup, leading the Americans to a 23-9 rout at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta in 1963.
Bradley missed out on one of the six automatic spots for the American team, finishing 11th in the qualification standings.
Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau claimed the guaranteed spots, while Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa, who are the next two in the standings, are also expected to be selected.
Should Thomas and Morikawa join the top six in the standings, Bradley would be required to pick four more wildcards to make up his 12-player team.
Bradley has been in fine form of late, most recently finishing seventh at the Tour Championship on Sunday.
The American’s vice captains have all reportedly urged him to select himself as a wildcard.
And US president Donald Trump has also backed Bradley to become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer.
Trump said: “Keegan Bradley should DEFINITELY be on the American Ryder Cup Team – As Captain!!!
“He is an AMAZING guy.”
When does Keegan Bradley confirm his Team USA Ryder Cup picks?
- Keegan Bradley will confirm his Team USA picks for the Ryder Cup on Wednesday, August 27.
- His selections will be made at 11am ET at the home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas.
