Phil Mickelson has admitted he was surprised to learn Keegan Bradley has been appointed as the United States 2025 Ryder Cup captain.
It was expected that Tiger Woods would be named as the captain to lead the USA into battle at Bethpage Black, but he ultimately turned down the chance.
And the USGA instead made a left-field appointment by announcing that Bradley would be their Ryder Cup captain.
Mickelson admitted it took him by surprise, but he believes his former Ryder Cup team-mate will make a good captain as the United States look to regain the trophy.
Phil Mickelson Backs Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup Captaincy
“I was surprised at the pick and I think it is a great pick, the more I think about it,” Mickelson said in an interview ahead of LIV Golf Andalucia.
“He played a lot of golf at Bethpage when he went to St John’s, his passion for the Ryder Cup is greater than just about any played I’ve seen (and) his love for the Ryder Cup is more than anyone 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 not to be part of the team last year.
“To now have the opportunity to lead and go forward is great.”
Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup Record
Bradley appeared in two Ryder Cups in 2012 and 2014, but was controversially left out of the team 16.5-11.5 to Europe at Marco Simone GC in Rome in the 2023 Ryder Cup.
After winning twice during the 2023 season, Bradley was overlooked by captain Zach Johnson to play in Italy.
His overall record as a player is 4-3-0, but he was on the losing side on both occasions at Medinah and Muirfield.
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