Keegan Bradley’s Team USA had a tough time at the Ryder Cup 2025. Several decisions from the losing side were later questioned by fans and media at Bethpage, which included the curious benching of J.J. Spaun during Friday’s and Saturday’s foursomes matches. Now, the golfer has come out to reveal that the decision was strategic and it had ‘nothing to do with how he was playing.’
For the unversed, Spaun won his maiden major championship title this year at the US Open by beating Robert MacIntyre at Oakmont. The 35-year-old golfer came close to winning multiple events this year including the Players Championship and FedEx St. Jude Championship, losing both in playoff. Owing to this, he joined the Ryder Cup team with an automatic spot after finishing second in the points. The two-time PGA Tour winner admitted that he was ‘little bit’ surprised when skipper Bradley decided to bench him at Bethpage.
The Ryder Cup debutant, while speaking on Trey Wingo’s ‘Straight Facts Homie!’ podcast, added that the decision was made as the skipper wanted a veteran-heavy lineup to match Team Europe’s picks in the foursomes.
Breaking his silence on his Ryder Cup benching, J.J. Spaun told Trey Wingo:
“Maybe (I was surprised) a little bit. I wasn’t sure what format I would start in. I talked to Keegan (Bradley) a few weeks prior, and he was adamant about having a pretty veteran-heavy lineup going out in the first match, which was foursomes.”
It is pertinent to note that Spaun’s benching had stirred several rumors, including some basing it on his equipment choice. The California-native was the only Team USA member playing with Srixon ball. However, the golfer denied all rumors.
He added:
“So, it had nothing to do with how I was playing, had nothing to do with what equipment I played. He wanted to put guys out there first that have been in that arena, and have had success, and have the experience versus getting my feet wet in (fourball), which is probably an easier format, I think, was appropriate.”
Team USA lost the Ryder Cup at home
It is pertinent to note that Spaun played well in his fourball matches, winning one on Saturday. However, the US’ 3–1 result in both foursome sessions couldn’t help the side to victory. Luke Donald’s European team dominated the first two days before closing out a 15-13 victory at Bethpage Black, completing a rare successful title defence on American soil.
For the unversed, the US side which featured Scottie Scheffler and several big-name golfers, won 8.5 points on the final day to avoid a heavy defeat. Despite the efforts from the side, first-time skipper Bradley dubbed the loss “one of the toughest times” of his life. Interestingly, the 39-year-old added that he may never ‘get over’ losing the prestigious trophy in New York.
Keegan Bradley opened up about the Ryder Cup loss at the Travelers Championship media day in October and said, as quoted by Sky Sports:
“You win, it’s glory for a lifetime. You lose, it’s ‘I’m going to have to sit with this for the rest of my life… There’s no part of me that thinks I’ll ever get over this. Since the Ryder Cup to now has been one of the toughest times in my life.”
For the unversed, Bradley didn’t address several decisions he took on the pitch, which included the benching of J.J. Spaun. The ace golfer spoke about the loss and revealed his wish to make a comeback.
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Edited by Vishnu Mohan
