To put it simply, the Ryder Cup experience has been a rollercoaster. While initially the US Team looked in a good position entering Bethpage, the Friday fourballs and foursomes quickly shifted the momentum. Although the Americans found their groove on Sunday, winning most of the singles, the comeback wasn’t just in time to turn the game. Following the stinging 15-13 loss to Europe, Captain Keegan Bradley is still not over the defeat.

Reflecting on the tragedy, Bradley shared his biggest regret a month following the event. “I really would enjoy playing in one more. I don’t know if I’ll get the chance,” Bradley revealed his desire to play in the Ryder Cup. Although he had the opportunity to count himself in the team, the US Captain refrained from picking up the clubs, prioritizing his captaincy responsibilities.

Turns out, not debuting the leadership position as a playing captain turned out to be the biggest sore point for Bradley. At 39, the US captain was the oldest in both teams combined, except for Justin Thomas. While Bradley could possibly make the team again for the next edition, his age becomes an inexorable factor.

Reflecting on the Ryder Cup, Bradley added, “The first practice day, I was out on the tee, and I was watching the guys walk down the fairway all together, and I said: ‘I wish I was playing. That’s what it’s all about. I’m missing out.’” These words reflect the emotional wreck Bradley endured, especially when his efforts turned into a clumsy miss for the team. However, later, Bradley was only thankful he hadn’t decided on teeing it up on the fields, owing to the exhaustion.

“By the second or third day, I was like, ‘It’s a good thing I’m not playing,’ because I was so physically exhausted … Good thing I didn’t do it because it would have been bad. I just didn’t think I could do both jobs.” These words further reflect the physical and mental demands of the sport, reducing Bradley’s chances of playing the Ryder Cup again. “I’ll forever wonder and wish that I had a chance to play there,” Bradley’s words added to the heartbreak.

Despite the missed opportunity and the lingering regrets from Bethpage, the US Captain expressed his gratitude for being able to represent his nation. “I got to experience something in the game of golf that I don’t think anyone’s ever experienced: where I’m the Ryder Cup captain but also competing at a very high level, and winning tournaments, and contending in tournaments, and it was really incredible.”

Heading into the final rounds, the US trailed behind the Europeans at 4½ against 11½. That was the culmination of an overall underwhelming four-ball and foursomes performance, raising questions about team chemistry and pairings. The US had a commendable comeback on Sunday, claiming 8.5 out of 12 total singles points. The US Team was 1.5 points away from the win, making the loss sting deeper.

Reflecting on the lingering impact of the near miss, Keegan Bradley couldn’t help but comment, “You win, it’s glory for a lifetime. You lose, it’s ‘I’m going to have to sit with this for the rest of my life,’ There’s no part of me that thinks I’ll ever get over this.”

As is clear, the showdown at Bethpage this year was nothing short of a pure tragedy, not only for the pyring American audience but also the captain himself. But Bradley isn’t alone in the emotional wreckage.

Scottie Scheffler experienced a career low at the Ryder Cup

Imagine being the World No. 1 with the entire team and the nation’s expectations weighing on your shoulders and then choking up on all of your matches. That’s exactly what happened with Scottie Scheffler, who entered the event with a Procore victory and rising crowd anticipation. Fast forward to the Friday foursomes session, and Scheffler found himself struggling to find rhythm.

Scottie Scheffler & Russell Henley went against Europe’s Ludvig Aberg & Tommy Fleetwood, only to end in a 5 & 3 loss. Scheffler lost his four-ball match, too, 3 & 2. Things didn’t look better on Saturday, ending in two more losses. While a singles win added consolation, Scheffler’s 1-4-0 record this year undeniably choked up Team USA’s winning chances.

Acknowledging his disappointing performance, Scheffler commented, “I think it’s hard to put into words how much it hurts to lose all four matches. To have the trust of my captains and teammates to go out there and play all four matches and lose all four, it’s really hard to put into words how much that stings and hurts.” The disappointing performance he carded in the Ryder Cup moved Scheffler to tears.

While Scheffler praised his team for the incredible support every step of the way, the unfinished business at Bethpage has left sore wounds for the entire team. While Keegan Bradley mourns the lost opportunity, Scheffler deals with the lingering guilt of his contention.