United States Captain Keegan Bradley To Announce His Six Captain Picks

On Wednesday, August 27 at 11 a.m. ET, the golf world will tune in to Golf Channel as Keegan Bradley names his six captain’s picks for the 2025 Ryder Cup. With the Tour Championship now complete and six automatic qualifiers already locked in — Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau — the U.S. captain faces the most consequential decisions of his young leadership tenure.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: Keegan Bradley of The United States speaks at a press conference during the Ryder Cup 2024 Year to Go Media Event at The Times Center on October 08, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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Here’s a ranking of the top 10 candidates most likely to earn Bradley’s trust and a ticket to Bethpage Black:

1. Justin Thomas

The Emotional Leader
Despite a rollercoaster stretch of form, Thomas has been a heartbeat of the American team (7-4-2 Ryder Cup record). His passion, chemistry with teammates, and history of delivering under pressure make him almost impossible to leave behind. Although his selection to Italy two years ago was extremely controversial, JT deserves to be on the team in 2025.

2. Patrick Cantlay

Patty Ice
A methodical ball-striker and proven partner for Xander Schauffele, Cantlay thrives in team formats. His form surged late in the season, and his composure is tailor-made for Bethpage’s pressure cooker. His overall Ryder Cup record speaks for itself at 5-2-1 and was the superstar for the USA team in Italy taking center stage during “hat gate.”

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

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3. Collin Morikawa

The Precision Player
With one of the purest iron games in golf, Morikawa brings consistency and control on a course that demands both. He brings in a veteran presence with experience as he has played in the last two Ryder Cups. Though his 2025 season hasn’t produced a win, he’s considered too reliable to overlook.

4. Cameron Young

The Hometown Bomber
Few players fit Bethpage Black better than Young. A New York native with a fearless driver, Young’s length and local ties could electrify the crowd — an intangible Bradley can’t ignore. He also brings a steady putter something that he in the past has not been known for and the United States team will need.

• Overall Strokes Gained Putting (SGP): 7th
• One-Putt Percentage: 4th
• Putts per Round: 10th
• Putts per Green in Regulation (GIR): 2nd

5. Ben Griffin

The Rising Rookie
Griffin’s consistency and ability to rise in big moments put him firmly in the mix. As a Ryder Cup rookie, he’d inject fresh energy into the squad — something Bradley has hinted at valuing. He also showed his team oriented strength earlier this year partnering up with Andrew Novak to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

6. Sam Burns

Scottie’s Plus 1

As Scottie Scheffler’s closest friend on Tour and a proven Presidents Cup performer, Sam Burns brings a weapon the U.S. will covet at Bethpage: a fearless putting stroke. On a course where clutch putts could swing entire sessions, Burns’ presence feels almost essential. Rumors are already swirling that Captain Keegan Bradley has assured him a spot on the team — speculation that will be confirmed, or put to rest, come Wednesday’s announcement.

7. Keegan Bradley (Player-Captain)

The Bold Gamble
The biggest storyline: Will Bradley pick himself? With a win at the Travelers and solid FedEx Cup play, he has the credentials. A playing captain hasn’t been seen since 1963 (Arnold Palmer), but Bethpage could be the stage for history. As a proud Northeast guy, he may just be the juice that this team needs to get this New York crowd to another level.

8. Maverick McNealy

The Dark Horse
McNealy’s resurgence has caught attention, and his mix of accuracy and short-game touch fits well in match play. If Bradley wants a curveball selection, McNealy could be it. His fed-ex playoff finishes were: T-28, 3rd, T-23.

9. Brian Harman

The Grit Factor
A grinder who thrives under difficult conditions, Harman’s bulldog mentality might resonate at Bethpage. He’s lower on the buzz list, but his major championship pedigree keeps him in the conversation.

10. Chris Gotterup

The Jersey Bomber

With a breakout season that has showcased both talent and poise under pressure he entered his name in the conversation. His recent Rolex Series victory at the Genesis Scottish Open, coupled with a third-place finish at The Open Championship, demonstrates he can compete — and excel — against the world’s best on the biggest stages. His fearless and aggressive style of play suggest he could bring fresh energy and a competitive edge to Team USA.

Jeff Goudy is a golf writer and co-founder of Break80 Golf LLC. He can be found on social media platforms @Break80_Golf