As the spotlight falls on Keegan Bradley, Team USA’s captain for this year’s Ryder Cup, speculation swirls around his strategic choices for the team. Bradley, who was famously overlooked by previous captain Zach Johnson for the Rome Ryder Cup, is now in control of the selection process, and all eyes are on his picks.
The Netflix docuseries Full Swing offered golf enthusiasts a unique perspective into Johnson’s decision-making process, adding an additional layer of interest to Bradley’s upcoming decisions. The PGA of America’s choice to place Bradley at the helm has opened up a realm of possibilities for the team selection.
Bradley has confirmed that he will be making the same number of selections as Johnson did back in 2023, intensifying the competition among players striving to secure a spot on the team. Yet, a ghost from the past Ryder Cup in Rome could potentially influence Bradley’s selection process – the controversial selection of an out-of-form Justin Thomas.
Despite the potential for resentment stemming from Johnson’s decision, Bradley’s recent comments concerning Thomas might suggest otherwise. The Full Swing series revealed Bradley’s admiration for Thomas, which could hint at Thomas’s inclusion in the 2025 team.
Bradley openly expressed his respect for Thomas during the docuseries, saying, “I love these guys. One of the main reasons that I wanted to make the team is because I wanted to be around these guys and the energy they have. I see JT, the way he prepares and practices and if I was a captain, I would want him in my locker room.”
Thomas has not claimed a TOUR victory since 2022, yet he’s making strides towards form and success alongside fellow player Jordan Spieth. They’re both vying for a spot on the team and hoping to bring their talents to Bethpage Black.
Although Thomas is currently outside the top six for the Ryder Cup on the USA side, he’s not far behind. Positioned at 12th, he trails Patrick Cantlay, who holds the sixth spot, by a mere 430 points. With three top tens from five starts in 2025, Thomas is edging closer to his peak performance.
Given Thomas’s improving form and the evident esteem Bradley holds for him, there’s a significant chance we’ll see ‘JT’ return to the Ryder Cup. The suspense surrounding Bradley’s choices continues to build, adding another exciting dimension to the already highly anticipated tournament.
