Keegan Bradley’s captain’s picks for Team USA at Bethpage Black didn’t shock many, but behind the scenes, there were some agonizing calls — especially when it came to Brian Harman.
Vice captain Webb Simpson revealed on the Bible Caddie podcast that Bradley wrestled with leaving out the 2023 Open champion, a player admired by teammates and respected as one of golf’s toughest grinders.
Bradley’s Final Ryder Cup Six Picks
Bradley ultimately went with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns, and Cameron Young. Those selections meant big names like Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, Tony Finau, Max Homa, and Harman were left on the outside.
Harman, who made his Ryder Cup debut in Rome two years ago, had a solid 2025 season: eight top-25 finishes, a win in Texas, and cuts made in all four majors. But his lack of length off the tee likely worked against him. Bethpage Black stretches to 7,468 yards from the tips, and with its reputation as a bruiser of a course, Bradley leaned toward players who can overpower it.
Simpson Sheds Light
According to Simpson, Harman wasn’t alone in giving Bradley sleepless nights. Maverick McNealy, Andrew Novak, and even Bradley himself were in the mix right up until the end.
“I feel like a good number of guys [could have made the team],” Simpson said. “Mav McNealy, the season he has had, 10th on points, the playoffs he had. He’s a great putter. I love Mav. Brian Harman, all the guys love Brian. He is such a great player. A major winner. That was a hard one. Novak has had a heck of a season.”
He added that Bradley’s own stellar play in 2025 — at times second only to Scottie Scheffler — made the decision to leave himself out even tougher. “Those calls, I do not envy Keegan on those. He said they all handled it really well. But that’s got to be a tough role to play.”
Attention Turns to Team Europe
With Bradley’s roster finalized, the spotlight shifts to Luke Donald. The European captain is set to announce his six picks on September 1st, and most expect continuity from the team that triumphed in Rome.
Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Tommy Fleetwood headline a formidable core, while Shane Lowry, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre, Ludvig Åberg, Rasmus Højgaard, and Sepp Straka round out the projected dozen.
The only question mark is Straka, who has been sidelined in recent weeks by a personal matter.
For now, Bradley’s tough calls are in the books, and the build-up to a fiery Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black has begun.
