Once the anticipated drama surrounding U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley’s decision on whether to name himself as the first player/captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 was settled Wednesday, the focus shifted to the six players Bradley chose as his captain’s picks.
Here’s what he had to say about the guys he wanted with him at Bethpage Black next month.
“Justin Thomas is the heartbeat of our team. This guy was born to play Ryder Cups, and specifically at Bethpage Black.’’
“An incredible teammate, incredible ball striker. His golf résumé speaks for itself.’’
“Ben is an extremely confident, excited player. He’s burst onto the scene this year. Ben wasn’t on our radar until this year, and he just continuously played at an extremely high level throughout the whole year, and I got a chance to play with him for the first time at Wyndham this year and I was just blown away with how good this guy was, and I was wondering where the hell he’s been for the last few years.’’
“Cam has been one of the most consistent players on the Tour. He broke through with that amazing win at the Wyndham Championship, and he’s been fighting so hard. Watching him on Sunday with that big lead play like that was incredible. Cameron pounds the golf ball, and he’s putting it as good as he’s ever putted in his career. He’s had nine top-12 finishes, which shows you how consistent he’s been.
“Cameron is a New Yorker (grew up playing in Sleepy Hollow Country Club). We’re very proud to have a New Yorker on our team and represent his country at Bethpage Black.’’
“He’s a leader of our team. When he speaks, people listen. Quite simply, Patrick was born for the Ryder Cup. This is where he thrives. This is where we need him.’’
“Sam is an incredibly passionate golfer. He’s the best putter on the planet. He has won the Match Play Championship. He has an extreme competitive fire in his belly. I have a lot of respect for Sam and the way that he came on at the end of the season to make this team. His back was against the wall, and he played well every week to end the season. I’ve been in that position, and that’s some of the hardest times to play good golf is trying to make these Ryder Cup teams, and Sam did that.
“We love to have Sam on our side with that putter at Bethpage. I can’t wait to see him out there in front of those fans. He plays with his heart on his sleeve, and people at Bethpage are going to love that.’’