USA captain Keegan Bradley was ‘honored’ that Donald Trump wanted him to play in the Ryder Cup – and said he hopes the president isn’t ‘disappointed’ that he defied his wishes.
Trump said this week that Bradley should ‘definitely’ be among USA’s 12-strong team for next month’s clash against Europe at Bethpage Black.
But the world No 11 resisted the urge to become the first playing captain in six decades, instead choosing Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns as his six captain’s picks.
They will join Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, JJ Spaun, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau on a US team eyeing revenge after defeat in Rome two years ago.
During a press conference on Wednesday to reveal his picks, Bradley said he was surprised that his possible inclusion had become such a big talking point.
The pressure on him only escalated earlier this week, when Trump announced he will attend the opening day of the match – and that he hoped to see Bradley tee it up.
Captain Keegan Bradley was ‘honored’ that Donald Trump wanted him to play in the Ryder Cup
Trump said Bradley should ‘definitely’ be among USA’s 12-strong team to face Team Europe
Bradley will captain Team USA when they face Europe at Bethpage Black in New York
‘Keegan Bradley should DEFINITELY be on the American Ryder Cup Team — As Captain!!!’ Trump wrote on social media. ‘He is an AMAZING guy. It will be a great Ryder Cup.’
Bradley said it was ‘stunning’ to have Trump’s backing, admitting: ‘That was really surreal.
He explained: ‘I’ve been really blown with the support and any time you get the support of the President of the United States is really surreal and stunning. So I really appreciate it, Mr President. I hope you’re not disappointed! We look forward to seeing you at the Ryder Cup.
He added: ‘When you see stuff like that, you start to wonder how we got to this point in my life but I was really honored – deeply, deeply honored – to have him say that.’
There has not been a playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 and Bradley insisted he knew ‘100 per cent’ that he had made the right choice.
‘If I felt like I needed to play to help this team win, I would have,’ he said. Instead, the world No 11 said Thomas, Morikawa and Co had ‘made (his) decision a lot easier.’
‘I never really considered playing until after (I won) the Travelers (Championship) in June,’ Bradley explained. ‘Ultimately, I felt I was really comfortable with the guys… I don’t care if I play or don’t play if we win on Sunday.’
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Keegan Bradley sends message to Donald Trump after ignoring his wishes and NOT picking himself for Ryder Cup
