FLOURTOWN, Pa. — Keegan Bradley has become quite accustomed to the rousing chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” echoing through the golf courses he competes on since being named the U.S. Ryder Cup captain. Surprisingly, this isn’t just limited to the greens. Whenever the 38-year-old golfer from Vermont ventures out to everyday spots like gas stations or restaurants, he is often greeted with patriotic accolades and expressions of gratitude for his service, even receiving unexpected freebies along the way.
“People buying me dinner and desserts and drinks,” Bradley shared, reflecting on his experiences as he moved through different public arenas. Despite having earned over $49 million in his career, these gestures of appreciation captured him off guard, serving as a delightful bonus.
Over the weekend, as Bradley competed at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, spirited fans were heard shouting endearing nicknames like “Cap! Cap!” besides the familiar “U-S-A!” Bradley’s fan base, particularly in the Northeast where he first gained prominence as a leading golfer from 2006-10 at St. John’s, naturally broadened. Sharing memories on social media, Bradley painted a vivid picture of nostalgia and pride, including photos from March clad in a “C” jersey from St. John’s. A recent excursion with his young son to Rhode Island for the NCAA Tournament brought added family joy despite the Red Storm’s defeat to Arkansas.
“For over 20 years, there wasn’t much to cheer about,” Bradley observed. The newfound excitement and sterling reputation of the team highlighted a refreshing turning point in his journey. Managing Team USA is another milestone in his evolving career.
Chosen as the Ryder Cup captain in July, following Tiger Woods’ inability to accept the position, Bradley is tasked with spearheading the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black in New York. Recently, he united prospective Ryder Cup members — including LIV players — at a Whitemarsh Valley Country Club dinner where prominent PGA figures gathered for the Truist Championship. This gathering marked the first organized assembly of major players, caddies, and their spouses to engage in meaningful Ryder Cup discussions.
“We’ve been engaging the boys for more than a year now,” Bradley noted, brimming with enthusiasm at the successful gathering. “Calling it a dinner might be too formal — it was really a wholesome get-together.” Bradley will have six captain’s picks to complete his 12-man squad.
Though Bradley last participated in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland in 2014, Benching by Tom Watson for key Saturday sessions became another European victory lesson. Previously debuting at Medinah in 2012 alongside Phil Mickelson, Bradley achieved a 3-0 run before ultimately succumbing to Rory McIlroy in the singles, witnessing a significant European comeback.
Amassing seven PGA Tour victories, his most recent being the 2024 BMW Championship, the 38-year-old will become the youngest American captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. He hopes to also serve as a playing captain, candidly admitting, “I’ve got to play better than what I’m doing right now.”
Demonstrating his prowess, Bradley landed a 23-foot birdie putt on No. 6 coupled with a 31-foot birdie on No. 3, concluding Saturday with a 2-under-68. With scores at 6-under 234, he found himself out of contention heading into Sunday’s pivotal round on the Wissahickon Course.
Bradley expressed his fondness for the venue, recalling his upbringing on rustic courses filled with rough terrains. “Playing this style of golf was exciting,” he said while acknowledging the stellar condition of the course. Despite remarks like Rory McIlroy’s observation that it might be “ probably 500 or 600 yards too short,” Bradley appreciated his rounds at the Cricket Club, especially as he navigated the Northeast landscape.
The golfer feels invigorated with the upcoming surge of prominent tournaments in Pennsylvania over the next few years, such as the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2030 U.S. Open. Among these, Aronimink Golf Club holds a special place in Bradley’s heart, reminiscent of his triumphant playoff victory against Justin Rose for the 2018 BMW Championship title.
“I think if you ask any PGA Tour player, they’d love more events in the Northeast,” Bradley remarked, voicing the collective sentiment across players. “We’re fortunate to experience these delightful courses every few years.” Even as he continues to enjoy the hometown advantage, Bradley remains a proponent of expanding golf endeavors in the Philadelphia suburbs.
“I feel like, for America, this about as classic as it gets, courses like this,” the rising American captain concluded.