Bryson DeChambeau Gets Real on Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup Spot

Newsweek

6 hours ago

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We are just 91 days away from the Ryder Cup, and the buzz is intensifying, especially after Keegan Bradley turned up the volume with his dramatic Travelers win.
As he drained a clutch birdie on the 72nd hole, edging out Russell Henley and Tommy Fleetwood by one shot, chants of "USA! USA!" erupted across TPC River Highlands.
Bradley's win didn't look like an ordinary win but a statement. That was his second PGA Tour victory in 10 months, catapulting him to No. 9 in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings.
When Bradley was named captain last July, after Tiger Woods declined the role, many were doubtful. But after Sunday's win, the idea of being the first playing captain, which was first met skipticism, is gaining traction.
And even LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau is on board!
Bryson Dechambeau shares thoughts on Ryder Cup playing captain
DeChambeau is currently at the Maridoe Golf Club, and while speaking to the media, he offered a pointed take on Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup role.
"I personally think given how he's played, I could confidently say he should be a part of the team for sure," the LIV pro said.
Bryson DeChambeau Gets Real on Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup Spot. (Image Collage)
Bryson DeChambeau Gets Real on Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup Spot. (Image Collage)
Getty Images
Beyond the Travelers win, Bradley has been playing exceptional golf as of late. He finished tied for eighth at the PGA Championship, T7 at The Memorial and 33rd at the U.S. Open.
Earlier, Phil Mickelson also expressed his confidence in Bradley, posting, "Keegan Bradley is THE MAN!!" on X.
To qualify automatically, Bradley needs to finish inside the top six in Ryder Cup points by the end of the BMW Championship on August 17. He currently trails Justin Thomas, who holds the sixth spot, by just over 2,100 points.
With enhanced points available at The Open Championship and the remaining PGA Tour events, another top finish could push him over the line.
As of now, Scottie Scheffler is the only American to have mathematically secured his spot. DeChambeau, who was 3rd in the standings before the U.S. Open, has since slipped to 5th.
He was leapfrogged by J.J. Spaun, who won the U.S. Open at rain-soaked Oakmont, and Russell Henley, who finished T2 at the Travelers.
But even if the 39-year-old does not finish inside the top six, as captain, he selects the remaining six players on the team. The question is: should he choose himself? Clearly, DeChambeau believes he should.
DeChambeau refuses to take things for granted
DeChambeau's own U.S. Open campaign ended in frustration. After a promising start to the season, including a win at LIV Golf Korea and top-five finishes at the Masters and PGA Championship, he missed the cut at Oakmont with rounds of 73 and 77.
"Yeah, I'd say disappointed that I haven't won one yet," he said speaking of this major season. "I've got to fine-tune my game and focus on executing my shots the way I know I can on the golf course. I haven't been doing that recently."
Still, the two-time U.S. Open champion remains optimistic about the final major of the year. "A little bit more due diligence on my side of the coin," he said of his British Open prep.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 17: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts after a putt on the 16th green during the third round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May...
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 17: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts after a putt on the 16th green during the third round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 17, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) More
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
"Not taking things for granted and focusing on what I can do to give myself the best chance to win... Probably being a little more strategic that week."
He continued, "It's going to be a good test of controlling your golf ball, so I've got to be in touch with my game. I've got to have better feel."
With the Ryder Cup clock ticking and the British Open just weeks away, both Bradley and DeChambeau know what's at stake.
For the New England native, it is a shot at making history as the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. While for DeChambeau, it's a golden opportunity to cement his spot on Team USA and bring back the trophy while playing on home soil.
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