Keegan Bradley Doubts Phil Mickelson’s Role as Vice-Captain for 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black
Despite the deep bond between Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson, Bradley does not foresee Mickelson playing a significant role in next year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Bradley, who was unexpectedly named captain of Team USA for the 2025 Ryder Cup, has long considered Mickelson a mentor and influential figure in his career. The pair formed a strong partnership during previous Ryder Cups, and Mickelson’s leadership left a lasting impact on Bradley’s game. However, when asked if Mickelson, a six-time major champion and one of America’s most decorated Ryder Cup players, would serve as a vice-captain on his team, Bradley was skeptical.
Speaking at the ‘One Year To Go’ Ryder Cup event in New York, Bradley expressed doubts about Mickelson’s interest in the role. “Personally, I don’t think he’s really interested in doing it,” Bradley said. “I owe a lot to Phil, and I think he’s done so much for the American side of the Ryder Cup, but I’m not so sure he’s looking to come in as a vice-captain.”
Mickelson had once been seen as a natural future captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, but his move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf has complicated that trajectory. LIV players remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection, but their presence in leadership positions, particularly for Team USA, remains uncertain. European captain Luke Donald, for example, recently hinted that former Ryder Cup legend Sergio Garcia might rejoin the DP World Tour to regain eligibility for the competition, suggesting LIV players are still being considered, albeit under certain conditions.
Despite Mickelson’s vast Ryder Cup experience and his role in shaping Bradley’s career, Bradley’s remarks suggest he is not actively considering Mickelson for a formal role. Still, their history together and the mentorship Mickelson provided early in Bradley’s career has left an indelible mark. Reflecting on their partnership during the 2012 and 2014 Ryder Cups, Bradley expressed his gratitude for Mickelson’s leadership, both on and off the course.
“Early in my career, I really took for granted Phil’s leadership that he gave me,” Bradley said. “I was playing with one of the best players ever to touch a golf club. What Phil did for me was create a relaxed atmosphere, and he told me, ‘Don’t worry about putting it four or five feet by. I’ll make them coming back.’ Little stuff like that helped me.”
Bradley went on to describe how Mickelson guided him through the mental and emotional challenges of Ryder Cup competition, sharing advice and wisdom throughout the year leading up to their pairing. “He mentored me before the event, took me to dinner, talked to me non-stop throughout the year about the pressures and what would come, and I really learned a lot. It hasn’t been until now that I’ve really realized what an incredible thing it was that he did for me.”
As for Bradley’s own playing career, he has shown impressive form on the PGA Tour and played in the most recent Presidents Cup, which could boost his chances of qualifying for his own Ryder Cup team. If that happens, it will be interesting to see if Bradley turns to Mickelson for guidance or informal advice as he navigates the demands of leading Team USA on home soil.
The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place at Bethpage Black in New York, a course known for its difficulty and intense atmosphere. With Bradley at the helm, all eyes will be on the team’s composition and leadership structure as they prepare to defend their title against a strong European team. Whether Mickelson will play a role in that campaign, however, remains to be seen.