Justin Thomas Opens Up on Ryder Cup Drama: Keegan Bradley’s Unexpected Struggle

Justin Thomas Reflects on Ryder Cup Drama: Keegan Bradley’s Disappointment and the Future of Team USA

Justin Thomas is no stranger to the emotional highs and lows of competitive golf. In a recent candid interview on the No Laying Up podcast, Thomas discussed the controversy surrounding his selection for the U.S. Ryder Cup team over Keegan Bradley, a decision that left many fans and players conflicted.

Reflecting on the lead-up to the team selection, which was captured in the Netflix series *Full Swing*, Thomas expressed empathy for Bradley, admitting that he, too, had hoped for his friend’s inclusion. “It was tough to watch, but it’s the reality,” Thomas said. “If you compare our seasons, Keegan deserved that spot more than I did.”

### Bradley’s Stellar Season vs. Thomas’s Struggles

The 2023 season was a standout for Keegan Bradley, who secured two PGA Tour wins and ranked higher on the Ryder Cup points list. His impressive performance, coupled with his deep passion for representing the U.S., made him a strong candidate for the team. Bradley’s commitment was evident in *Full Swing*, where he openly shared how much the Ryder Cup meant to him.

In contrast, Justin Thomas experienced a challenging season by his own standards. Missing out on the FedEx Cup Playoffs, Thomas was well aware that his Ryder Cup hopes depended on being one of Captain Zach Johnson’s six discretionary picks.

### The Captain’s Difficult Choice

When it came time for the final decision, Thomas wasn’t surprised by the reasons for his selection over Bradley. “It’s no secret why I ended up getting the pick over him,” Thomas admitted. Known for his consistent performance in past Ryder Cups and his role as an emotional leader, Thomas’s experience and relationships within the team likely influenced Johnson’s choice.

Thomas acknowledged the Netflix series’ portrayal of his selection, saying, “It made it seem like it was the only captain’s pick, but there are six picks, and while several were considered locks, the final couple of spots were more up for grabs.” Ultimately, Thomas was chosen over Bradley and others like Cameron Young, a decision that sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts alike.

### Reflecting on the Ryder Cup and Looking Ahead

Despite his selection, Thomas didn’t shy away from self-criticism. After sitting out the U.S. team’s opening session at Marco Simone, he participated in the next four matches, ending with a 1-2-1 record. “I feel like I let the team down. I played terrible,” Thomas admitted, reflecting on his performance.

The U.S. team’s seventh consecutive loss on foreign soil prompted Thomas to acknowledge that the team may have been underprepared. “In hindsight, we should have played more leading up to the event,” he said, echoing the criticisms that followed their disappointing showing.

### A New Role for Bradley and the Future of Team USA

As the U.S. team looks to the future, Keegan Bradley will take on a new challenge as the captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage. Ironically, Thomas was part of the group that selected Bradley for the role, a decision he fully supports. “I respect his work ethic a lot, and he really gets after it,” Thomas said of Bradley, who has become a close friend and practice partner in South Florida.

Bradley has already begun shaping his leadership team by appointing Webb Simpson as his vice-captain. This move hints at a fresh approach and perhaps a younger mindset in the team’s Ryder Cup strategy.

### Patience and Change: The Path to Success

Looking forward, Thomas emphasized the importance of patience and careful planning in the team’s development. He revealed that Tiger Woods had initially been offered the captaincy, but when Woods declined, the committee took its time to select the right person for the job. “Why rush this?” Thomas recalled saying to the committee. “What’s the point of us rushing to get maybe the person that we don’t think is right, just to meet a deadline?”

Thomas believes this thoughtful approach is vital as Team USA seeks to break its losing streak on foreign soil. Both he and Jordan Spieth are actively involved in discussions on how to improve the team’s preparation and performance in future Ryder Cups. “Change is good,” Thomas noted, embracing the upcoming transition under Bradley’s leadership.

As the U.S. Ryder Cup team prepares for future challenges, it’s clear that both Justin Thomas and Keegan Bradley are deeply committed to the team’s success, even if it means learning from past mistakes and embracing new strategies.