Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has added another name to the U.S. team as he weighs up a tough decision, while Tiger Woods has used time away from the golf course to expand his business
Tiger Woods has expanded his business (Image: Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty Images)
The golfing world has already begun preparing for the year’s final major at the Open Championship and the Ryder Cup continues to be a topic of discussion.
Several of the sport’s top names are enjoying a break before the Scottish Open next week as players ready themselves for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Nothern Ireland later this month. British golfers Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose have used their time off to enjoy another sport.
In the States, Keegan Bradley announced his fifth vice-captain for the Ryder Cup, while Zach Johnson responded to the idea of Bradley competing as a playing captain. Away from the golf course, Tiger Woods has expanded his business as he continues to recover from surgery.
Zach Johnson speaks out on Keegan Bradley
Former Ryder Cup captain Johnson was quizzed about Bradley possibly breaking tradition by being a playing captain at the Bethpage Black Course in September. Johnson captained the U.S. in their losing effort at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Bradley, who recently won the Travellers Championship, is the world No. 7 and has not confirmed his intention to be on the team, though he would be the first captain to do so since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Johnson has admitted that he would have struggled with a dual role at the Ryder Cup but has full faith in the team.
When asked by The Golf Channel if he could have handled being a playing captain, Johnson said: “I mean obviously that’s a massive hypothetical. I could not, personally, but I wasn’t playing at near the level that Keegan was playing then or now. No one’s surprised by that level, I mean, we’re talking about a stalwart in our game.
“No, I cannot, but, I say that, it’s hypothetical. I don’t know what would have transpired if that were the case. This year, they’re going to have difficult choices regardless, whether he’s playing or not. Ultimately, I firmly trust any and all decisions that they’ll be making.”
Keegan Bradley could be a playing captain at the Ryder Cup(Image: Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)Gary Woodland added to the Ryder Cup team
While Bradley debates whether to be the first playing captain in more than 60 years, he has named Gary Woodland as his fifth vice-captain. It is the first time Woodland will be part of a Ryder Cup either as a player or vice-captain.
The decision comes just two years after the 2019 U.S. Open winner underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. The 41-year-old joins Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker as vice-captains.
“Keegan’s passion for this event is contagious and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” Woodland said. “With just over two months to go until we arrive at Bethpage, I am fully committed to doing everything I can to help Keegan as well as our team of vice-captains and players.”
On Woodland’s appointment, Bradley added: “I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for Gary and all he has accomplished in this game. As a major champion and someone who is still competing at a high level, he is well aware of the demands of performing on golf’s biggest stages. He will be a valuable leader for us over the coming months and throughout the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.”
Gary Woodland has been named vice-captain ahead of the Ryder Cup(Image: Raj Mehta/Getty Images)Tiger Woods expands his business
Tiger Woods has not competed on the golf course since undergoing Achilles surgery, but he has used the time to expand his Sun Day Red apparel line. The brand was launched in partnership with TaylorMade last year.
While it has relied on a direct-to-customer approach since launching last May, Sun Day Red items will now be available in various on-course golf shops across the country. Woods has explained that their products will be available to purchase at courses that have contributed to the 15-time major winner’s career.
“These aren’t just any golf courses. Many of these places hold deep meaning for me,” Woods said, as per Forbes. “Some are where I’ve won tournaments that shaped my career, others are courses I’ve had the privilege to design, venues where I’ve competed in majors, and clubs where I’m honored to be a member. It feels right to have Sun Day Red available at these special places where the game is played.”
Justin Rose spoke to Russell Crowe at Wimbledon(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood spotted at Wimbledon
British golfers Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose used their time away from the course to soak up the atmosphere at Wimbledon. Both men were pictured in the Royal Box at the All England Club, where they were joined by other famous faces.
Rose was seen enjoying the tennis alongside his wife Kate on Tuesday, with the couple sitting close to the likes of Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe. The former U.S. Open winner watched Barbora Krejcikova begin her title defence, world No.3 Alexander Zverev’s shock elimination and Novak Djokovic’s opening win.
The following day, Fleetwood, who came close to winning his first PGA title at the Travellers Championship, attended the Grand Slam in London. He and his wife Clare were pictured in the Royal Box on the same day as John Cena, Olivia Rodrigo and Dave Grohl. Fleetwood saw reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in action as well as women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
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