The US Ryder Cup Team is set to take on Team Europe at Bethpage Black this September. After months of speculations, rumors disguised as insider reports, and even a nudge from the White House, US Captain Keegan Bradley has finally revealed his six Captain Pick’s. Announcing his decision in Frisco, Texas, Captain America named Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cam Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns as part of his 12-man team.

The biggest question all summer had been whether Bradley would choose himself. Even US President Donald Trump threw his support behind that idea, urging Bradley to give himself a spot. “Keegan Bradley should DEFINITELY be on the American Ryder Cup Team — As Captain!!! He is an AMAZING guy. It will be a great Ryder Cup,” Trump had written on Truth Social.

Responding to the unusual endorsement, Bradley issued an apology for taking the other route. “Anytime you get the support of the President of the United States, it’s really surreal and stunning. So, I really appreciate it, Mr. President. I hope you’re not disappointed. We look forward to seeing you at the Ryder Cup.”

In the end, though, it seems Bradley listened to the voices warning him of the crushing weight of serving as both captain and player. The 38-year-old has faced his share of scrutiny in recent months, from questions about the playing format to debates about the Ryder Cup uniform. Choosing himself could have poured gasoline on that fire. By stepping aside, Bradley may have found some relief – keeping the focus where he wanted it: on his team.

Naturally, not everyone will be thrilled. Many dreamed of him replicating Arnold Palmer’s legendary dual role in 1963. Even players like Patrick Cantlay (who has made it on the team) and Rickie Fowler were open about wanting him inside the ropes rather than behind them. But others view the move as the smartest possible call. “It’s going to be said so many times between now and the end of the Ryder Cup: he did and will continue to do whatever he feels is best for the team. And that’s what he did,” said Justin Thomas, who finished seventh in points and was the first name Bradley announced.

Bradley’s appointment as captain a year ago was already a surprise twist. It happened after Tiger Woods declined the job. At the time, Bradley flat-out rejected the idea of being a part of the team. “The only way that would happen is if the team was insisting on it,” he had said back then.

But his stance wavered after a hot run. Winning the Travelers Championship in June suddenly made the idea of playing captain less far-fetched. For weeks, he admitted the possibility sat on the table, as teammates and assistants pursued him hard to take the gamble. “This whole year has been really strange, to be honest. I’ve been really surprised at the attention this has gotten,” he admitted.

With all this, the US Ryder Team is all set. The other six players who had automatically qualified for the team were Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau. Bradley will take over the behind-the-scenes actions with his vice captains, Gary Woodland, Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson, and Brandt Snedeker. In Captain America’s words, “It is going to be pretty wild.”

All eyes on Team Europe now

Now that the final names for the US Ryder Cup team have been revealed, all attention has turned towards Europe. Luke Donald is returning as captain, making history as the first European to serve consecutive Ryder Cup captaincies since 1993. Six players have already secured their spots through automatic qualification.

Rory McIlroy leads the lineup as both a veteran leader and a proven Ryder Cup performer. Alongside him are England’s Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, and Tyrrell Hatton, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, and Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard, who will make his Ryder Cup debut this year. The next layer of intrigue lies in Donald’s six captain’s picks, which will be revealed on September 1. The pool of contenders is packed with world-class names: Shane Lowry, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Jon Rahm headline the chase for a spot.

Europe arrives with plenty of confidence, having won eight of the last eleven Ryder Cups, including their emphatic triumph at Marco Simone in 2023. What’s clear already is that Bethpage will not just be a test of skill, but of the ability to thrive under relentless pressure.