Keegan Bradley told by Ryder Cup ally: Give up captaincy if you qualify for the team

Webb Simpson says he will push Keegan Bradley to give up the Ryder Cup captaincy if he qualifies for the team on merit. 

Bradley was named as Zach Johnson's successor in July 2023 after Tiger Woods turned down the role. 

The 38-year-old noted he was 'surprised as anyone' with the PGA of America's decision to hand him the reins. 

Why he was so surprised was primarily down to his age and the fact he still believes he has the pedigree to compete.

When the contest heads to Bethpage Black this September, he will be the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer. 

Palmer was 34 years old when he led the red, white and blue in 1963.

Simpson, who has been named as a vice captain, reckons Bradley should give up the captaincy if he qualifies for the team. 

The U.S. Ryder Cup team will be made up of six automatic qualifiers and six captain's picks. 

According to Simpson, there is every chance Bradley could finish top six. 

And there are enough candidates to step into his position, despite the quick turnaround after the qualifying period ends. 

"He's certainly playing as good as anybody right now," Simpson told Golf Channel. 

"I think if he qualifies top six on points after not getting picked in Italy I would personally like to see him play. 

"I want the USA team to win. I think, you know, we've got enough guys who could take over his position, even though it's an important decision."

Simpson was alluding to the fact Bradley was passed over for a spot in Johnson's side that was ultimately defeated by five points at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. 

The Netflix cameras rushed to Bradley's home as he took Johnson's phone call. 

He was reduced to tears as he believed he had done enough to return to the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2012. 

Despite his stellar Ryder Cup contest, Justin Thomas was controversially chosen instead of Bradley which led to accusations of a boys' club mentality. 

Bradley has still not opened his suitcase from the Miracle at Medinah, vowing only to do so when he is appears on a victorious team. 

"I personally would love to see him play because he loves Bethpage, he feels at home there, he would have the home crowd behind him for sure and he loves the Ryder Cup," Simpson added.

"We know how much passion he has for the Ryder Cup. So, I don't think he'll be playing if he's not top six but I think if he's top six I, personally, am going to push him to play."

The 2025 Ryder Cup takes place over 26-28 September. 

Luke Donald will once again lead Team Europe. 

Watch the full clip from Simpson here:

Which players are likely to be on the U.S. team?

The top half of the U.S. team looks particularly strong. 

Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay are dead certainties to make the team. 

It seems more than likely that LIV recruits Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau will also be picked barring a complete drop off in form. 

Elsewhere, Bradley is likely to face conundrums over Justin Thomas, Sahith Theegala, Max Homa, Russell Henley, Jordan Spieth, Brian Harman, Tony Finau, Sam Burns, Cameron Young and Will Zalatoris.

Watched our latest YouTube video?