In a heated debate over the upcoming Ryder Cup, legendary U.S. captain Tom Watson has thrown down the gauntlet, warning Keegan Bradley that taking on the role of both player and captain is an impossible feat.

As Bradley prepares to potentially become the first American player-captain since the iconic Arnold Palmer in 1963, opinions are mixed. While some, including President Donald Trump, are backing Bradley's bold venture, Watson stands firmly against it.

Watson stated to The Times, 'You can’t be both.' This sentiment stems from his own experiences, highlighting the overwhelming demands of the role. 'The captain needs to be strategic; decisions must be made swiftly, especially as players are engaged in matches,' he continues.

Reflecting on his tenure as captain in 2014, Watson cautions against the distraction that comes with playing while trying to lead—a challenge that could risk the team's cohesion and effectiveness. 'When I was captain, I had to make tough calls, like sitting a struggling player. If I had been playing too, it would have clouded my judgment,' he noted.

Despite Watson's warnings, one cannot deny that Bradley, boasting two recent PGA Tour victories, ranks among the elite in American golf. This means his decisions at the live selection event on Wednesday, streamed on Golf Channel and YouTube, will be closely watched.

As the Ryder Cup looms on Long Island, the question lingers: can Bradley truly juggle both roles, or will he risk the very unity his team needs to thrive?