To play or not to play as the captain of the American Ryder Cup team is the question facing Keegan Bradley. For the most part, Bradley’s patriotic enthusiasm to become the first American playing captain since Arnold Palmer (1963) has received skepticism in return. Take the U.S. team’s Presidents Cup captain, for instance. Brandt Snedeker believes that everyone wants Bradley on the team, but he stated, “I don’t think it’s possible to do both just with how much goes into being a captain.” Of course, he offered Bradley the option to rely on Jim Furyk and others, but doubts remain, even from Jack Nicklaus.

Doubts about Keegan Bradley’s hopes began with controversies following his announcement as the U.S. team’s captain in July 2024. He promised not to play unless he qualified, stating, “I feel as though I’m still in the prime of my career and can make this team.” However, Dame Laura Davies expressed skepticism, saying, “He said he was going to play. But I’d be really surprised because it’s just two completely different roles.” 

Similarly, Jack Nicklaus expressed doubt but believes that if Bradley wants to play, “he can.” In an interview with Sky Sports Golf, the two-time Ryder Cup captain (1983, 1987) said, “I’m sure you can. I mean, I don’t really know what the captain does anymore. You know, Arnold, captained and played. Uh, I didn’t. I think maybe the last captain played. And, uh, you know, I think I, I actually, I was beyond my, well, I really captain in, let’s see, what, 83 and 87. Yeah, yeah, I was so I had 86 Masters in there somewhere. So, I wasn’t all that far past it.”

He added, “But, uh, you know, uh, I, if Keegan wants to play, I think he could play, but he, I’m sure, I don’t think he will. I think he’s probably, uh, he’ll be a little busy doing the other stuff, but he could play. He certainly, I don’t, I don’t think it’s that big a deal.” So, why exactly is Keegan Bradley’s hope to play while leading Scottie Scheffler & Co. so controversial?

Keegan Bradley’s role as a playing captain poses challenges due to potential conflicts of interest and disruptions to team dynamics. He may split his focus between leading and motivating the team and competing as a player, which could result in his personal performance overshadowing his effectiveness as a leader.

However, of course, Bradley understands the problems that come with that idea as well. To address this, Bradley has stated several times that if it seems likely he will make the team, he will delegate responsibilities to his vice-captains: Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson, and Brandt Snedeker. Since Furyk served as the captain in 2018 and the others are new to their roles, his input will likely carry the most weight. Amidst all these conversations, however, the U.S. team’s captain is focused on something entirely different.

Keegan Bradley is focusing on being a player right now

The 38-year-old is currently prioritizing his role as a player over his captaincy duties. After finishing his final round at the PGA Championship with a score of 1-over 72, which secured him a T8 finish, Bradley took the time to congratulate Scottie Scheffler on his victory at Quail Hollow Club. This result marked Bradley’s first top-10 finish in a major since the 2022 U.S. Open and enhanced his chances of making the Ryder Cup team this fall. Despite his solid performance, Bradley has downplayed the idea of being a playing captain. He stated, “I don’t know. I’m just trying to be a player right now. Honestly, it’s not even crossing my mind at this point.”

While 12 Americans will compete at Bethpage Black in September, Bradley has chosen not to seek a pick, instead focusing on qualifying in the top six after the BMW Championship in August. He remains committed to this goal, even after finishing just two shots behind second place. Two automatic spots appear secured, with Scheffler extending his lead and Bryson DeChambeau moving up from No. 5. Other players currently in qualifying positions include Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Russell Henley.

Sam Burns acknowledged Bradley’s strong play, stating, “He’s playing some of the best golf of his career. I think if you take him out of the captaincy, you’d want him as a player, right?” However, Bradley is focused on his captaincy, asserting, “I’m the captain right now. If we get down to the Playoffs and I’m in the picture, then I’ll start thinking about it. But I’m thinking of myself as a player first.”

That is one way to go about it, for sure. What do you think of Keegan Bradley’s approach? Let us know in the comments.