Keegan Bradley is approaching a key decision with the Ryder Cup just a month away.
The 39-year-old was a surprise selection as captain for Team USA and has made it clear he still has ambitions of being involved at Bethpage later this year as a player too.
Bradley has insisted that he would not use a captain’s pick on himself, but victory at the Travelers Championship last month has helped move him up tenth in the standings and provided more evidence that he arguably deserves to be on the team regardless of whether he qualifies automatically or not.
Arnold Palmer in 1963 was the last playing captain at the Ryder Cup.
World number one Scottie Scheffler has already secured his place in New York and is in a league of his own at the top of the standings, cemented with his Open victory at Royal Portrush.
Bryson DeChambeau is fifth despite competing on the LIV tour and Bradley has confirmed he will be on the team.
There is work to do for Patrick Cantlay, who is down in 14th, while Jordan Spieth is 26th and will need a captain’s pick if he is to be involved.
How does qualifying for the Ryder Cup work?
Half of the American side will be decided by the qualification standings, with the remaining six places on the team filled with captan’s picks.
The qualification process will conclude following the BMW Championship on August 17, 2025.
LIV players are unable to earn points on their tour and so are relying on their performances in the majors to force their way into contention for automatic selection.
They are, however, able to selected as captain’s picks.
Team USA team rankings
(Players in bold currently qualifying. Q denotes already qualified.)
Position |
Player |
Points |
1 |
Scottie Scheffler (Q) |
32,420.33 |
2 |
Xander Schauffele |
13,383.85 |
3 |
JJ Spaun |
12,478.91 |
4 |
Russell Henley |
11,623.82 |
5 |
Bryson DeChambeau |
10,774.98 |
6 |
Harris English |
10,385.65 |
7 |
Justin Thomas |
10,208.09 |
8 |
Collin Morikawa |
9,743.61 |
9 |
Ben Griffin |
8,604.91 |
10 |
Keegan Bradley |
8,038.50 |
11 |
Maverick McNealy |
7,414.15 |
12 |
Brian Harman |
7,007.99 |
