Justin Thomas is back in red, white, and blue for the Ryder Cup. Keegan Bradley confirmed the two-time major winner as one of his six captain’s picks, completing Team USA’s roster for Bethpage Black. Thomas may not have qualified automatically, but his match play pedigree and presence on a team made him too valuable to leave off.
Bradley’s decision answers weeks of speculation about whether he’d name himself to the squad. In the end, the captain chose not to play — a move that drew plenty of attention but ultimately underscored his commitment to putting the team first.
Team USA Looks to Bounce Back
The Americans are desperate for a response after last year’s defeat in Rome under Zach Johnson. Europe, meanwhile, will march into New York with continuity and confidence: Luke Donald, who masterminded the victory in Italy, has been retained as captain. He’ll make his six captain’s picks next week, but for now, the spotlight belongs to Bradley and the U.S. roster he’s assembled.
Joining Thomas as Bradley’s picks are Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns. They’ll round out a team that also features Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Henley, and Harris English.
Thomas and Bradley: From Rivals to Allies
Thomas has plenty of history with this event. The world No. 30 has been a Ryder Cup regular, even stepping up to help during the Presidents Cup two years ago despite being sidelined with an injury. But his relationship with Bradley, once a sore spot, has become a strength for Team USA.
The two were entangled in controversy last year when Thomas was picked for Rome while Bradley was left out, a snub that hit hard and even featured in Netflix’s Full Swing. Looking back, Thomas laughed about it on Golf Channel: “After Rome, it was funny. I joked with him now that we are past it. Watching our Netflix episode [I joked] that I really was pulling for you and not even me.”
Thomas also shared how his respect for Bradley has grown: “He is still the Keegan Bradley who calls me kid all the time… maybe in the beginning I thought, why is this guy Keegan calling me kid? Is he being disrespectful to me? But now I understand that is just who he is and that is the North East Keegan who I have come to know and love.”
Bradley’s Big Call
Bradley admitted it “broke his heart” not to select himself, but he recognized the difficulty of serving as both captain and player in a Ryder Cup. It hasn’t been attempted since Arnold Palmer in 1963, and at Bethpage — one of the most high-pressure settings imaginable — the task would have been monumental.
For now, Bradley’s playing return may have to wait until Adare Manor in 2027. In the meantime, he’s earned respect for putting his ego aside and giving his squad the best chance at redemption. And with Thomas back in the mix, Team USA will head into Bethpage with firepower, experience, and a captain who has made it clear: the mission is winning back the Cup.
