Keegan Bradley has been confirmed as the USA's next Ryder Cup captain.
The 2011 PGA Championship winner, who is only 38-years-old, has made two Ryder Cup appearances in 2012 at Medinah and 2014 at Gleneagles.
“I am incredibly honored to accept this opportunity to Captain the United States Team at the 2025 Ryder Cup,” said Bradley.
“I would like to thank the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for their trust in me as we embark on this journey to Bethpage Black.
"My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger.
"The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particularly special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course. I look forward to beginning preparations for 2025.”
Bradley has six wins on the PGA Tour and agonisingly missed out on a wildcard pick last time out, which was shown on the second series of Netflix's docuseries Full Swing.
Bradley won the PGA Championship in 2011 - the flagship championship of the PGA of America, which runs Ryder Cup USA
Bradley's name had not been publicly mentioned and would be somewhat of a surprise due to his age and lack of experience as a vice captain - as well as the fact that he has only played on two US Ryder Cup teams. He is still in the peak of his playing career, too, currently ranking 19th in the world.
He is from the north-east, though, so will be a popular figure among the New York fans and is an experienced PGA Tour player, with six wins on the US circuit and 44 Major championship appearances.
“I am proud and excited to name Keegan Bradley as Captain of the 2025 United States Ryder Cup Team,” said PGA of America President John Lindert.
“Keegan’s past Ryder Cup experience, strong relationships and unwavering passion for this event will prove invaluable as he guides the U.S. Team over the next year and a half.
"We are confident that with Keegan at the helm, the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Team will compete at Bethpage with the same confidence and determination that has defined his career.”
Tiger Woods reportedly turned down the captaincy, likely due to the time needed on his role as a PGA Tour board member amid negotiations with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund as well as his desire to continue competing
Tiger Woods was the overwhelming favorite for the job but reportedly declined the role, forcing the PGA of America, which runs the US arm of the Ryder Cup, to look elsewhere.
Bradley will captain the Americans in front of a partisan New York crowd at Bethpage, where they'll be looking to win back the trophy after their 16.5-11.5 defeat last time out.
However, they will be favorites for the victory as both of the last two US Ryder Cups in 2021 and 2016 have been won by the home side and each of the last five matches have seen the home team come out on top.
