Phil Mickelson offers predictable response to Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup gig

Phil Mickelson says he's surprised Keegan Bradley was selected to be the next Team USA Ryder Cup captain. 

But the more he thinks about it, the six-time major champion is loving the choice by the PGA of America. 

Bradley, 38, was confirmed as the next skipper to lead the troops at Bethpage Black next September. 

Tiger Woods was the frontrunner, but the big cat cited his role in helping the PGA Tour broker a deal with LIV Golf's Saudi backers as a key reason why he turned down the role. 

The job in New York would've likely been Mickelson's had he not joined LIV Golf and became persona non grata within the establishment. 

Mickelson did not address whether he thinks he will ever be given the opportunity in his news conference before LIV Golf Valderrama. 

But he said he believes Bradley's appointment is incredible. 

"I was surprised at the appointment," he said. 

"And I think it's a great pick the more I think about it. 

"He played a lot of golf at Bethpage when he went to St. Johns [University]. 

"His passion for the Ryder Cup is greater than just about any player I've ever seen. 

"His love for the Ryder Cup is more than anybody I know. I think he's going to lead with that type of passion.

"I think he's incredible. I'm really, really happy for him. 

"I think we all are really happy for him knowing how gut-wrenching it was to not be part of the team last year, but to now have the opportunity to lead and go forward I think is great."

Bradley has already given his first presser as the captain for the red, white and blue. 

He said he had absolutely no idea his name was in the mix. 

Bradley told reporters on Tuesday he wants to qualify for the team on merit. 

Should that happen, he would become the youngest playing captain in the Cup since Arnold Palmer in 1963. 

He has already ruled out picking himself should he fail to qualify. 

And he poured cold water on the prospect of ignoring picking LIV players. 

"I don't care where they play," Bradley said. 

The comment will have no doubt pricked the ears of 2024 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau. 

"I'm excited for him," DeChambeau said. 

"I think it's a great opportunity for him, especially as it relates to younger players. 

"He's going to see that younger threshold, and obviously relate to them a lot more, I would say, because of his age. 

"I mean, what he is he, 38 or something like that?"

He added: "So yeah, he's seeing the younger generation game. He's out there still playing, and competing and it's great to have some relate ability. 

"As far as picking the best players, that's the right approach and I couldn't be more happy for him as captain."

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