U.S. Ryder Cup skipper Keegan Bradley names PGA Tour fan-favourite as vice captain

U.S. Ryder Cup skipper Keegan Bradley has confirmed Kevin Kisner will be a vice captain.

Bradley, who was named as the shock successor to Zach Johnson last July, confirmed the news on 8 January. 

The 38-year-old previously named Brandt Snedeker and Webb Simpson as part of his staff for the Bethpage Black showdown.

"Kevin is a great addition to our leadership group and will be a trusted voice throughout the coming months and this year’s Ryder Cup," said Bradley. 

"His extensive match-play success and strong relationships make him a perfect fit. 

"I look forward to working with him closely as we get ready for Bethpage Black."

This marks the first occasion that Kisner, 40, will be involved in the Ryder Cup as a vice captain or player. 

He has represented Team USA at the Presidents Cup in 2017 and 2022 and compiled a record of 2-2-3. 

Kisner was an assistant to Jim Furyk at the most recent Presidents Cup in Canada and came to blows with International player Tom Kim. 

The PGA Tour veteran was furious Kim marched to the next tee box in his match against Scottie Scheffler before the runaway World No.1 putted out.

Kisner said: "I am incredibly appreciative of Keegan for this opportunity to help guide the U.S. team at the 2025 Ryder Cup.

"I love match play and the Ryder Cup is one of the greatest events in sports. 

"I cannot wait to be a part of it and look forward to doing everything I can to support Keegan, Webb, Brandt and our talented team in September."

The 2025 Ryder Cup matches will be played over 26-28 September. 

It promises to be a feisty affair, with some already predicting spectators will drink far too much booze and go overboard with heckling the competitors. 

Europe will again be led by Luke Donald after the Englishman orchestrated a 16½-11½ victory in Rome last September.

The 2025 Ryder Cup also marks the first time the players will be paid to compete. 

Controversially, the PGA of America have confirmed each Team USA player will receive a $500,000 each.

Of that sum, $300,000 must go to charity and the players are able to do as they wish with the remainder, which is being referred to as a 'stipend'. 

Xander Schauffele, who won two majors in 2024 and was a part of the team that was defeated in Italy, has already claimed each player will donate all of the money to charity. 

Other players who are likely to be involved have not spoken publicly about the topic. 

Patrick Cantlay, who was widely assumed to be unhappy about a lack of compensation at the biennial event, refused to comment on the topic when asked in December before the Hero World Challenge. 

Cantlay reportedly did not wear a Team USA cap at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in protest over a lack of compensation. 

The golfer denied this was the case, though he wore one during the 2024 Presidents Cup. 

The Presidents Cup is an official PGA Tour event and competitors are paid. 

Bradley was not the first choice to be the Team USA captain. Tiger Woods turned down the PGA of America.

Woods explained he had too many responsibilities elsewhere such as TGL commitments and trying to help the PGA Tour hash out a deal with LIV's backers.

Bradley has also vowed to pick the strongest team possible, which was music to the ears of LIV recruits Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. 

It wouldn't be out of the realms of possibility that Bradley could qualify automatically for the team if he has a stellar season on Tour. 

He has not revealed yet whether he will pick himself. 

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