Six days have passed since Team Europe walked away with a 15–13 win, but the roar of Bethpage Black is still echoing in the golf world.
The 45th Ryder Cup post-match chatter has been less about the score and more about the spirit, strategy, and sportsmanship that defined the week.
Much of the spotlight has landed on Team USA’s captain, Keegan Bradley, whose squad mounted a fierce Sunday comeback, earning eight points in singles play after trailing 11.5–4.5 from the first two rounds.
Despite falling short, Bradley’s leadership drew admiration from both sides of the aisle. And on Friday, even European captain Luke Donald took to social media to tip his cap to the man across the fairway.
“I want to take a moment to thank my friend and opposing Captain, Keegan,” Donald captioned his Friday post. “As I said in my opening ceremony speech last week, I have really valued our friendship over the years and that bond will last well beyond Ryder Cup week.
“Our Captaincy journey and the contest between our two teams will give us memories that we will continue to look back on together for many years to come.”
The 39-year-old PGA Tour pro became the youngest U.S. Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Ranked ninth in Ryder Cup standings before selections, Bradley made the bold decision to step aside as a playing captain, choosing to lead from the sidelines rather than compete.
It was a move that gained praise as much as it did debate. Golf influencer Dan Rapaport is among those who believed Bradley’s fiery passion could have made a difference on the course.
Donald echoed that sentiment in his Friday post.
“I watched Keegan closely last week and in the build-up. His passion and love for this event, and for his country, is undeniable,” Donald wrote. “The Sunday charge his players made showed just how much they wanted to win for him, and that says everything about the respect they have for their Captain.”
Bradley’s motivational tactics were also a talking point. Before Sunday’s singles, he invoked Tom Brady’s legendary Super Bowl LI comeback, recalling when the Patriots overcame a 28–3 lead against the Falcons.
That fire was evident in each player on the final day. Scottie Scheffler, who had struggled all week to win, finally delivered a crucial and emotional win against world No. 2 Rory McIlroy.
Donald closed his message with a nod to the weight of the role.
“Unless you’ve walked into that arena, it’s impossible to fully understand the pressures that come with being Captain,” Donald wrote. ”He (Bradley) has my full respect, as well as my friendship.”
Despite their earlier disagreement over the envelope rule when Bradley had called for a change in the rules after Viktor Hovland’s withdrawal led to a halved match, Donald’s message was pure class. As of next, the Ryder Cup looks ahead to Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027.
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