In a move that has taken the golf world by storm, Keegan Bradley has decided not to include himself in the U.S. Ryder Cup team slated for next month at Bethpage Black. After months of speculation about his status, he confirmed his decision at a press conference in Frisco, Texas.

Instead of selecting himself, Bradley named six other players to form part of Team USA: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns, and Cameron Young. These players, finishing ranks 7-9 in the final points standings, join an already strong roster filled with automatic qualifiers like Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.

Bradley, who recently had a strong season highlighted by a win at the Travelers Championship, admitted to reporters, "The decision was made a while ago that I wasn’t playing." He acknowledged the phenomenal performances from his teammates that secured their spots on the team.

As the captain for the upcoming Ryder Cup, Bradley's decision to step back is a bittersweet moment. He stated, "It broke my heart not to play... but my goal was to be the best captain I could be," reflecting a commitment to the team's success above his individual desires.

This Ryder Cup is particularly significant for Bradley, who was previously snubbed for the last squad. In a stunning twist, he was appointed captain in July 2024 as part of the PGA of America’s effort to diversify its leadership.

Now, as he prepares to lead Team USA, he expressed excitement: "Quickly you realize what a dream it is to be a Ryder Cup captain. I don’t care how it works out, as long as we win on Sunday.

Among his selected players, Justin Thomas stands out as a veteran, marking his fourth Ryder Cup appearance. Bradley dubbed him "the heartbeat of our team," citing his experience and enthusiasm as vital.

Ben Griffin, a rising star with two wins this season, is heralded for his impressive all-around game. Meanwhile, Cantlay, with a strong track record in match play, and Burns, the reigning top putter, add to the depth of talent on the squad.

As anticipation builds for the Ryder Cup, Bradley and his team prepare to face the European squad, led by captain Luke Donald, who will reveal his picks soon. Despite a challenging history—having won only three of the last 11 Ryder Cups—the Americans have shown impressive home-game performances.

Wrapping up the intense lead-up to the event, Bradley admitted, "I’m glad it’s over," as players gear up for bonding and preparation at the Procore Championship next week.

With high stakes and an eager audience, all eyes will be on Bradley and Team USA next month at Bethpage!