Keegan Bradley has opened up on the intense strain associated with his upcoming and “defining” decision on whether to play for, as well as captain, the United States in the Ryder Cup.
“I am going to be really happy when this week is over,” Bradley said. “I have about had it with this whole thing. I am ready to figure out what we are doing and get a team together.”
Bradley is due huge credit for his candour. A second round of 64 at the Tour Championship boosted his case to become the first Ryder Cup playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Bradley, who was 11th in the US rankings heading into the Atlanta event, will name his six wildcards on Wednesday.
“I am very well aware that no matter what decision I make, I am going to be defined by it,” Bradley said. “If we win, it doesn’t matter what I do. I am fine with that, normally if you win you are the best captain and when you lose you are the worst. I have been a part of teams.
“Every captain has to make tough decisions, this is just a unique one. It is going to be controversial either way but I am ready for it. This is the biggest decision of my life.”
Bradley has also emphasised the big picture is uppermost in his thoughts. The US are seeking to regain the trophy they lost in Rome two years ago. “I really don’t care if I play and lose all five matches or if I don’t play,” said the 39-year-old. “As long as we win on Sunday. Any decision we make is with that in mind. This is about what we think will win us the Ryder Cup.”
Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa are almost certain to take two of Bradley’s selections for the tournament from 26-28 September. Both were in attendance as the US held a Ryder Cup team dinner in Atlanta on Tuesday. Patrick Cantlay’s involvement at Bethpage is also highly likely. Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Sam Burns and Maverick McNealy are the others who are part of the discussion alongside Bradley himself. Griffin’s chances are the strongest among that set.
Tommy Fleetwood has led a PGA Tour event at halfway seven times but is still to win one. Photograph: Mike Stewart/AP
Bradley’s six-under-par second round came despite huge distraction. “It is very difficult,” he added. “I am having a really hard time right now separating my captaincy and my play. For the past month it has been like this. This week I am trying so hard [to focus] but it [the Ryder Cup] is all I am thinking about. Pairings, certain things I want to say to the guys during the week … it is just difficult.
“I have been in the position before of trying to make the team, it is just really strange being the captain. I don’t think anyone has ever gone through this.”
It therefore seems to naturally follow that playing at the same time as leading the team would add a fresh level of stress. “ It would be difficult,” said Bradley. “It is doable though. I have got incredible vice-captains and people to lean on. I will cross that bridge if it comes.”
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Umpteen players have been adamant Bradley’s ability and form mean he should play. The man himself insisted that need not be altogether relevant. “It means a lot but I don’t think it counts,” Bradley said. “We have to get together with vice-captains and look at what has gone on, look at the data and make a decision based on what is best for the team. That stuff certainly feels nice for me but when we look at me as a player, we talk as if I am not in the room. We look at the stats, the data and I am player X. That is strange but if there are negatives about me playing, I want to hear those.
“I feel like I am still one of the best players in the world so I figured the likelihood of me being completely out of the picture was slim. I had an inkling so we have been preparing for this. It certainly would be a lot easier if I was top six or completely out of it.”
Tommy Fleetwood’s latest bid for an overdue victory on American soil has him tied for the lead with Russell Henley at the halfway point at East Lake. Fleetwood’s 63 and Henley’s 66 left the pair at 13 under. Young is two strokes back, with Cantlay alongside Robert MacIntyre at minus 10. “I actually feel like I’ve played very, very well when I have led tournaments and been in contention,” Fleetwood said.
“It’s just I might have not got things right at the end. It’s not like I’ve crashed and burned. It’s just that I’ve not quite finished things off.
“The people that win the most are the guys that are in contention the most. That’s just what I want to do. That’s where I want to be. I love the buzz when I am in contention.”
