Phil Mickelson Breaks Down Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup Captaincy: ‘It’s a Great Pick’

After being named Ryder Cup captain for the United States team in 2025, attention quickly turned to who could serve as the vice-captains on Keegan Bradley’s staff at Bethpage Black next fall.

One of the players we mentioned was Phil Mickelson, who was a mentor of sorts to Bradley, and the two also teamed up at two Ryder Cups, amassing a 4-1 record.

In his press conference on Tuesday, Bradley said he wasn’t sure if Lefty wanted the job, but he didn’t dismiss the fact that he would take him – or any other LIV Golf member – on his team.

On Wednesday at Valderrama in Spain, Mickelson was asked his thoughts about Bradley’s surprise appointment in advance of LIV’s event on the historic course later this week.

Mickelson said:

“I was surprised at the pick, and I think it’s a great pick the more I think about it. He played a lot of golf at Bethpage when he went to St. John’s. His passion for the Ryder Cup is greater than just about any player I’ve ever seen. His love for the Ryder Cup is more than anybody I know. I think he’s going to lead with that type of passion.”

.@PhilMickelson reflects on the 2025 @RyderCupUSA captain selection for Bethpage Black 👌#LIVGolf @HyFlyers_GC pic.twitter.com/pIfSkvXGsa

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) July 10, 2024

Last year, while captain Zach Johnson did select Brooks Koepka after he won the PGA Championship, he left other LIV Golf members like Bryson DeChambeau off the team. Given DeChambeau’s performance at the majors this year, one would think he has a shot to make the team (if he doesn’t automatically qualify), and Bradley said that he was going to make the best six captain’s selections – regardless of where they played professionally.

DeChambeau said on Wednesday:

“He’s out there still playing, and competing and it’s great to have some relatability. As far as picking the best players, that’s the right approach and I couldn’t be more happy for him as captain.”

🇺🇸 Current Ryder Cup 2025 Points Ranking

1. Scottie Scheffler
2. Bryson DeChambeau
3. Xander Schauffele
4. Collin Morikawa
5. Brian Harman
6. Wyndham Clark
—
7. Tony Finau
8. Patrick Cantlay
9. Sahith Theegala
10. Max Homa

Let’s get this deadly duo back together!! pic.twitter.com/JjIDyQimuq

— TrackingScheffler (@SchefflerLegion) July 8, 2024

The U.S. team will be looking to win the Ryder Cup back after the European team took home the prize in Rome last fall.

Cover Image via Sky Sports