Keegan Bradley Makes Honest Revelation About Ryder Cup After Travelers Championship Victory

Keegan Bradley turned heads on Sunday by clinching a dramatic one-shot win at the Travelers Championship, snatching victory from England’s Tommy Fleetwood. With the crowd roaring “U-S-A,” Bradley birdied the final hole at TPC River Highlands, pushing himself to seventh in the world rankings and ninth in the U.S. Ryder Cup points list. Fleetwood, still chasing his first PGA Tour win, had a late stumble, including a costly three-putt on the 18th that let Bradley capitalize in front of a hyped home crowd.

Now, all eyes shift to the Ryder Cup, set for September 25-28 at Bethpage Black in New York. The top six Americans in the standings automatically qualify, with the remaining six players picked by the team captain, which just happens to be Bradley himself.

Keegan Bradley celebrates with his son Cooper after winning the Travelers Championship golf tournament.

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

That win has suddenly sparked talk about him possibly becoming the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963.

“This definitely changes things,” Bradley said after the win. “Every year my goal is to make the Ryder Cup team. And then, you know, this would be the year where I was like, you know what, I’m excited to just be the captain.”

He emphasized he wouldn’t give up the captaincy: “I’ve put a lot of work into this. I’ve got great assistants Jim Furyk, Sneds, Kiz, Webb. We talk every day. They can step in when I’m not there.”

Bradley admitted the PGA of America wanted him to consider the dual role when they first reached out. “They told me, ‘We want you to be the first playing captain since Palmer.’ My head was spinning,” he said.

He also explained how golf provides escape from the nonstop Ryder Cup chatter. “Inside the ropes is where I find peace. Outside, it’s 24/7 Ryder Cup.”

Next up? The Rocket Classic tees off Thursday at Detroit Golf Club and with Bradley’s game heating up, don’t be surprised if he steals more headlines.