The US captain finished 11th in the points list and while the selections of Justin Thomas (seventh), Collin Morikawa (eighth) and Patrick Cantlay (15th) were expected, he went for form in choosing Griffin (ninth), Cameron Young (14th) and Burns (16th) after strong seasons.
Bradley revealed his decision not to pick himself was made some time ago.
“The decision was made a while ago that I wasn’t playing,” Bradley said. “The last 48 hours, we had the team set. We weren’t scrambling at all.
“This was a really tough decision. I would say there was a point this year where I was playing a while ago, and, you know, all these guys stepped up in a major way and played their way onto this team, and that’s something that I’m really proud of, and something that I really wanted.
“But it was an extremely difficult decision, but one that I’m really happy with. I’m really happy with these six players, and I’m glad it’s over.”
The ‘will he, won’t he’ saga of Bradley’s possible selection has been a hot topic of debate that has transcended the sporting world, with American president Donald Trump offering his opinion that the captain should also play.
It came after an excellent year which saw him win the Travelers Championship in June and post six top-10 finishes on tour.
Bradley added: “That was really surreal. 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.
“When you see stuff like that you start to wonder how we got to this point in my life. But I was really honoured, deeply, deeply honoured to have him say that.”
Thomas, who was one of the six to be picked by Keegan, said the decision would be worth it if the United States could win back the Ryder Cup after they were beaten in Rome in 2023.
“He’s gutted. I think all of us are gutted for him,” the three-time Ryder Cup player said.
“But at the same time, I would say him leading us to victory would be cooler than any experience you could have as a player and that’s probably what he feels like is best for us.
“We have all the faith in the world and we don’t doubt him for one second.”
Europe captain Luke Donald will name his six wild card picks on Monday, with Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton already qualified ahead of the tournament, which takes place on September 26-28.
Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton have qualified automatically for Europe and captain Luke Donald will announce his six wildcards on Monday.
USA (automatic qualifiers): Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau
(Wildcards): Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns.
