In a surprising turn of events, Keegan Bradley won’t be swinging his clubs at the Ryder Cup this year, as he announced he won’t be among the six captain’s picks for the prestigious tournament at Bethpage Black next month.

Instead, Bradley selected Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns, and Cameron Young to make up the 12-member squad, all of whom have been showing stellar performance in recent months.

"This decision was made a while ago," Bradley shared during a press conference at the PGA headquarters in Frisco, Texas. "I've played well at various points this season, but the guys I picked have stepped up significantly to earn their spots on this team."

Adding to the suspense, Team USA already features automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Henley, and Harris English, rounding out a formidable roster.

As Team Europe’s captain, Luke Donald will unveil his six captain’s picks on Golf Channel this Monday at 9 a.m. ET, gearing up for a fierce competition.

Amid a whirlwind of emotions, Bradley’s decision sparked mild surprise among fans, particularly after a tumultuous two-year journey. Initially snubbed from the 2023 Ryder Cup, he was later elevated to captaincy for the 2024 event, a strategic move by the PGA of America to break from tradition.

Despite his initial reluctance to join the team unless he was an automatic qualifier, Bradley softened his stance after claiming victory at the Travelers Championship in June. However, despite this success, he struggled to maintain form in the following months and ultimately prioritized the interests of the team over his aspirations.

"It broke my heart not to play,” he admitted. “You dedicate your life to make these teams, but being chosen as captain was an honor. I want to do this the right way for my team."

In a unique twist, Bradley—the player—had to evaluate his own potential as the captain, feeling the sting of having to make tough calls about his teammates. As he personally reached out to those who didn’t make the cut, he empathized with their disappointment but quickly recognized the dream of captaining at the Ryder Cup.

In terms of strategy, Thomas and Morikawa, ranked No. 7 and No. 8 respectively in points, are expected to shine despite Morikawa’s recent struggles. Bradley underscored Thomas as the team’s heartbeat, emphasizing his value in the high-pressure setting of the Ryder Cup.

Bradley also highlighted Griffin, who emerged as a breakout star this season, boasting two wins and ranking seventh in total strokes gained. His absence of match-play experience is offset by his impressive overall performance throughout the year.

Cantlay brings a wealth of experience with a 15-6-1 record in match-play, having been a key player in the last Ryder Cup, and Burns adds his well-renowned putting skills. Rookie Cameron Young, recently victorious at the Wyndham Championship, is poised to make a significant impact.

The dynamic American team has faced challenges in past Ryder Cups, winning only three of the last 11, but their recent home victories have been dominant. Bradley expressed relief as the selection process concluded, saying, "I’m glad it’s over."

With many players expected to participate in next week’s Procore Championship, Team USA is prepping to bond and sharpen their skills ahead of their exciting matchup at Bethpage.