The Ryder Cup is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious events in golf, where players from the United States and Europe come together to represent their countries. It is a week filled with intense competition, team camaraderie, and a chance to play for something greater than oneself. However, for those who don’t make the cut, the disappointment can be devastating.
One such player is Keegan Bradley, who many believed was the biggest snub for Team USA in the 2023 Ryder Cup. Bradley had an exceptional season on the PGA Tour, with 18 made cuts in 23 starts. He finished inside the top 25 10 times, inside the top 10 six times, and even clinched victories at the Zozo Championship and the Travelers Championship.
Bradley’s performances throughout the season certainly put him in contention for a spot on the Ryder Cup team. He concluded the year tying for ninth at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, and hopes were high that he would be one of Captain Zach Johnson’s picks. But when the moment of truth came, Bradley received a call from Johnson that shattered his dreams.
In an interview with Barstool Sports’ ‘Foreplay’ podcast, Bradley shared his experience of receiving the call. “I got a text from Zach, ‘Hey, guys, I’m going to be calling everybody tomorrow morning.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, shit, I got another night now of sweating this out.’ I wake up, I’m very tired, and I get a call from Netflix, and they say, ‘Keegan, we got a camera crew five minutes from your house.’ Why would they be sending a camera crew if I’m not going to get picked?”
In that moment, Bradley allowed himself to believe that he had made it. He thought, “For the first time, I let my brain think I did it. Why would they be rushing a camera crew to my house? And as soon as I picked up the phone, it was like a ‘Hey, Keegan…’ And I look over at Jill a second into the call, and I go like, no.”
The disappointment was palpable for Bradley. He described it as “devastating.” It was a blow to his hopes and dreams of representing his country once again in the Ryder Cup. In his two previous appearances in 2012 and 2014, Bradley had accumulated a 4-3 record, but he was determined to make a mark on the team once again.
Despite the heartbreaking news, Bradley displayed true sportsmanship and class. He took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the support he received, saying, “During that week, I had some of my best memories coupled with some of my darkest in my golf career. I’m proud of the effort I put in to make this amazing team over a decade later. But it wasn’t meant to be.”
Bradley also made it clear that he would be cheering on Team USA despite his disappointment, stating, “All of the support has been amazing, but it’s time now to get behind this US team. I’m gonna be watching and pulling as hard as I can for them! GO USA.”
It is admirable how Bradley handled this setback with grace and dignity. Despite the disappointment, he remains a true team player, putting his personal disappointment aside to support his fellow teammates. It is a testament to his character and sportsmanship.
While not making the Ryder Cup team was undoubtedly a difficult pill to swallow for Bradley, his journey doesn’t end here. He will use this disappointment as fuel to continue striving for success in his golf career. And who knows, perhaps the 2025 Ryder Cup will be his redemption story.
In the meantime, as the Ryder Cup approaches, golf fans can appreciate the sacrifices and effort that players like Keegan Bradley put into their game. They play not only for individual glory but for the honor of representing their country. And although Bradley won’t be on the course this time, his support and passion for Team USA will undoubtedly be felt.