Shane Lowry and Team Europe turned Keegan Bradley’s own words against him, leveraging the American’s notorious outburst from the 2024 Presidents Cup to fuel their Ryder Cup triumph.
Battling back against a surging American team on the tournament’s final day, Lowry’s crucial tie with Russell Henley secured Europe’s decisive 14th point, officially sealing the team’s victory. The final tally stood at 15-13, with Lowry being swarmed by teammates on the 18th green after mounting a remarkable comeback from two holes down with just four remaining.
Following their triumph, Lowry and his European colleagues marked the occasion in their distinctive styles, with the 38-year-old ensuring supporters knew he and his squad hadn’t forgotten Bradley’s inflammatory remarks. This occurred after Lowry delivered a brutal parting blow in New York.
Sharing an image of himself clutching the trophy in the locker room, Lowry wrote: “Life long dream today #TeamEurope.”
Yet the photograph also prominently displayed the American captain’s provocative declaration: “We are going to go to Bethpage to kick their f—ing ass.”
That excerpt represents just a portion of an extended tirade the 39-year-old delivered while addressing several Team USA members in September 2024. Bradley additionally expressed how he typically performs at his peak when dismissed by critics and fellow competitors.
“I’m gonna get criticized as the captain next year. They’re gonna underestimate me. They’re gonna doubt me. I’ve been doubted my whole f—ing life. That’s when I do my best work,” he added.
Lowry responded to Bradley’s speech, which he and his fellow Europeans had seen, despite the American’s belief that it was meant only for his team. “Obviously, I saw it. Look, they’re going to be fired up to go beat us,” Lowry admitted in February.
“Keegan is going to be a great captain, and we’re under no illusion that [he won’t be]; we’re certainly not going to doubt him. And I’m sure Luke Donald is going to prepare his team as best he can, and we’ll give it a go when it comes to it.”
Upon learning that the Europeans were privy to his passionate words, Bradley responded, claiming he wasn’t aware that Netflix would air his speech on its ‘Full Swing’ series.
“Listen, I thought I was in a locker room with my team,” he said after the fact. “You know, that’s what happens in a locker room. I meant no disrespect to the Europeans.
“This was a time that we had just won the Presidents Cup, I was in the locker room and it was my turn to address the team. And I meant no disrespect, I was more speaking to our guys.”
The Ryder Cup was not only a monumental moment for Lowry, but he also put the victory into perspective, providing a full picture of his weekend experience. “I came here this week and I felt like I was playing really well. I showed it on the greens maybe the first day but the last few days, I felt great out there,” he reflected after the win.
“Yes, I was nervous but I felt like this is where I belong and look, this is like — I’ve experienced some amazing things but this is like, God, I can’t believe it. It’s something that I’ll remember forever. My brother had a baby boy today, as well. They will be sitting at home watching this, it’s unbelievable.”
