Tiger Woods has turned down the opportunity to captain the United States at next year’s Ryder Cup, with Keegan Bradley named as the surprise replacement.
Woods had been seen as the obvious candidate for next year’s event at New York but failed to reach an agreement with the PGA of America.
A potential hurdle in an agreement with Woods’ is likely to have been his hectic schedule, with the 15-time major champion already working extensively as part of the PGA Tour’s policy board to agree a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
With no deal in place – and just over a year until the event – Team USA have been forced to look elsewhere and have now settled on Bradley, a left-field candidate who, himself, has played in just two Ryder Cups.
The 38-year-old narrowly missed out on a captain’s pick to play in last year’s event in Italy, but will now be tasked with rebuilding the US side after their resounding 16.5-11.5 defeat at Marco Simone.
‘I am incredibly honoured to accept this opportunity to Captain the United States Team at the 2025 Ryder Cup,’ Bradley said in a press release.
‘I would like to thank the PGA of America Ryder Cup Committee for their trust in me as we embark on this journey to Bethpage Black. My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger.
‘The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particularly special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course. I look forward to beginning preparations for 2025.’
PGA of America president John Lindert added: ‘Keegan’s past Ryder Cup experience, strong relationships and unwavering passion for this event will prove invaluable as he guides the US team over the next year and a half.
‘We are confident that with Keegan at the helm, the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Team will compete at Bethpage with the same confidence and determination that has defined his career.’
Bradley lost both Ryder Cups that he played in – in 2012 at Medinah and 2014 at Gleneagles – and will be one of the youngest captains since 1963.
Europe, meanwhile, will be captained by the returning Luke Donald, who will now aim to become the first European since Tony Jacklin to lead a team to multiple Ryder Cup victories.
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