Keegan Bradley’s form suggests he could become the first Ryder Cup playing captain in over 60 years at Bethpage Black, and he is hoping he can use the help of Tiger Woods
Keegan Bradley reached out to Tiger Woods(Image: Getty Images)
Keegan Bradley revealed that he has reached out to Tiger Woods for advice over potentially becoming the playing captain of the United States Ryder Cup team.
Bradley’s impressive form in recent months has seen him play his way into contention for one of the 12 playing spots, especially after his win at the Travelers Championship last month. This run has continued at The Open Championship this week, after he fired a four-under-par 67 to leave him at three-under for the week.
Another good performance at Royal Portrush will only add to Bradley’s dilemma as to whether he should take on both roles, but the skipper is already putting in the groundwork to help his decision.
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While he would become the first playing captain at a Ryder Cup since 1963, the role has been taken on more recently at the Presidents Cup, with Woods splitting his responsibilities in 2019. While the pressure of a Ryder Cup is much higher, Bradley has leaned on the 15-time major champion for help.
“Tiger Woods did it at the Presidents Cup. I’ve spoken to him a ton about this,” Bradley explained. There are a few other guys who have done it in the Presidents Cup. The Ryder Cup is a much different animal. But we have a plan.
“We have a for instance that could happen. That can obviously change during the week. You’ve got to see how each player is playing. But we’re learning as we go, just like everybody else.”
Asked what the advice was that Woods offered, the captain expanded: “Tiger has been really helpful.
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Keegan Bradley will captain Team USA(Image: PA)
“He obviously turned this position down, and it came to me, so he’s been very helpful in this process. Tiger has been really, really great to me over the course of my career. He does a lot of things for us players that he doesn’t do for the media.
“So he’s been really helpful to me my whole life. Really kind to me actually. During this process, he’s been one of the most helpful people that I’ve had.”
Bradley’s second round at The Open on Friday was an impressive one, and it will mean he will play the weekend in the United Kingdom for the first time since 2018.
With his confidence levels at an all-time high, Bradley believes he is playing the best golf of his career.
“I feel like I’m a much better player right now than I’ve ever been,” he admitted. “This is the best I’ve ever played throughout my entire career. I’m a way better chipper of the ball, which I’ve worked on.
“I’m very high in the stats on the Tour, which I never have been, which is a huge help. I chipped two to a foot today that were tough chips. Putting a lot better, and I just feel a lot more comfortable being out there in these big moments.
“I do feel like I’m a much more well-rounded player now.
