Ryder Cup 2025: Who Will Keegan Bradley Choose for His Captain’s Picks?

With six automatic qualifiers already locked in, U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley faces one of the most scrutinized decisions of his career: who to add as his six captain’s picks.

The speculation is buzzing—should he go with form players, proven veterans, or take a risk and pick himself as a playing captain?

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Let’s break down the top contenders, their strengths, and their weaknesses.

Patrick Cantlay

Few players are as consistent as Patrick Cantlay. He’s a steady force off the tee and on the greens, and his Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup experience make him an appealing option for Bradley.

Cantlay is known for his calm demeanor and ability to thrive in high-pressure, match play environments.

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Upside: Cantlay’s consistency and past experience make him a “safe” pick—he’s unlikely to implode under Ryder Cup pressure, and his ability to grind out pars is ideal for team formats. His strong showing at the Tour Championship only strengthens his case.

Downside: Cantlay narrowly missed automatic qualification, which some argue means he didn’t do quite enough during the regular season. Bradley may want to reward players who are peaking right now rather than someone who’s been steady but not spectacular.

Collin Morikawa

Collin Morikawa has quickly established himself as one of the premier ball-strikers in the game. With a major-winning pedigree and previous Ryder Cup experience, he’s often penciled in as one of the first captain’s picks.

He’s known for his laser-like irons and ability to dissect even the toughest courses.

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Upside: Morikawa’s iron play is second to none. In foursomes and fourball formats, he can be paired with a variety of partners and still deliver consistent looks at birdies. His calm personality is a perfect counterbalance in the team room.

Downside: The putter. Morikawa’s streaky flatstick has held him back this season, and in match play, missing short putts can be costly. Bradley must weigh elite ball-striking against potential weakness on the greens.

Justin Thomas

Justin Thomas has become synonymous with U.S. team golf. Known for his passion, fire, and ability to rise to the occasion, JT has been a backbone of recent Ryder and Presidents Cup teams.

Despite a bumpy season, his reputation as a team leader and clutch performer can’t be ignored.

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Upside: JT’s energy is contagious. He thrives in the Ryder Cup environment and often elevates his play when representing his country. His past partnerships with Jordan Spieth have been electric, and few players embrace the team atmosphere more than Thomas.

Downside: His form has been inconsistent. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, he’s also had stretches of missed cuts and wayward ball striking. Bradley must decide whether JT’s intangibles outweigh his shaky 2025 results.

Cameron Young

Cameron Young is one of the rising stars of American golf. With prodigious length off the tee and a knack for going low, Young has positioned himself as a compelling captain’s pick.

Add in the fact that he’s a New York native and will have strong local support at Bethpage Black, and the case becomes even stronger.

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Upside: Few players hit it farther than Young, and his power could be a huge weapon on the demanding Bethpage setup. His familiarity with the area also makes him a natural hometown favorite. He’s trending upward at just the right time.

Downside: He’s a Ryder Cup rookie, and rookies often face a steep learning curve. Bradley may be hesitant to throw him into the cauldron of pressure if more experienced options are available.

Sam Burns

Sam Burns is another name firmly in the mix. With a reputation as one of the best putters on Tour, Burns has shown he can excel in match play settings, as evidenced by his strong Presidents Cup record.

His ability to hole crucial putts makes him a natural Ryder Cup candidate.

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Upside: Burns’ putting under pressure could be invaluable, especially in close matches. He also has prior experience in team competition, and his easygoing personality makes him a popular partner in the team room.

Downside: His recent form has been a bit quiet. While not disastrous, he hasn’t had many standout performances in the lead-up to the Ryder Cup. Bradley will need to consider if his clutch putting alone is enough to secure a pick.

Maverick McNealy

Maverick McNealy is a bit of an outsider, but his recent surge in form has generated some buzz. Known for his putting and short game, McNealy has the potential to be a sneaky good addition if Bradley wants to take a chance on a newcomer.

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Upside: McNealy’s putting stroke is solid under pressure, and his hot streak late in the season could make him an intriguing “form” pick. He also brings a youthful energy that could complement the more seasoned veterans.

Downside: Lack of experience on the biggest stages. He has yet to contend seriously in majors or play in team competitions, which may make him too much of a gamble for Bradley’s conservative approach.

Keegan Bradley (Himself)

And then there’s the elephant in the room—will Bradley pick himself? It’s a storyline that has captivated the golf world. Bradley has been playing solid golf, and as a fiery competitor with Ryder Cup pedigree, he knows what it takes.

But the idea of serving as both captain and player is a highly controversial one.

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Upside: Bradley’s form, passion, and Bethpage roots all make a compelling case. He’s been open about how badly he wants to compete, and his leadership could inspire the team in a unique way.

Downside: Being a playing captain is incredibly difficult. The last time it happened was Arnold Palmer in 1963. Many analysts and former captains have warned against it, saying the role requires full-time focus. Bradley risks stretching himself too thin if he takes on both responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

Bradley has called these picks the “biggest decision of my life,” and with good reason. Every choice comes with pros and cons, and the balance between experience, form, and chemistry will determine Team USA’s fate.

If he plays it safe, expect names like Cantlay, Morikawa, Thomas, Young, and Burns to headline. But if he goes bold, Bradley himself might just pull on the red, white, and blue—not only as captain but as a competitor.

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