By
Devlina Sarkar is a Newsweek contributor based in New Delhi, India. Her focus and passion is all things golf, as well as film. Devlina has been with Newsweek since February, 2025 and previously wrote for The Indian Express and iTV Network. Devlina is a graduate of Delhi University having also studied at the University of London. You can get in touch with Devlina by emailing d.sarkar@newsweek.com.
Devlina Sarkar
Contributing Sports Writer
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We are just 96 days away from the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, and the heat is on. Scottie Scheffler has already locked up the first U.S. spot, while others are still waiting for the good news.
But the captain, Keegan Bradley, is on a different mission. Bradley is chasing something that no other player has done in more than 60 years.
The 39-year-old wants to earn his way onto the team through Ryder Cup points. He is currently in the 17th position and needs to climb into the top six to qualify automatically.
If Bradley does, he would become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT – JUNE 21: Keegan Bradley of the United States reacts on the 18th green during the third round of the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 21, 2025 in Cromwell,…
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There are only so many tournaments left to gain the points needed to climb the standings.
This week, the PGA Tour is hosting its final Signature Event of the 2025 season. With that comes a larger purse, and additional FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup points.
After the third round of Travelers Championship, Bradley is in great position to make up some of the ground needed. He is tied for second, three shots back of Tommy Fleetwood.
Following his round, Bradley expressed how Sunday is going to be special for more than one reason.
It marks exactly one year since Bradley got the call to lead Team USA as captain.
“Tomorrow’s the year anniversary of getting the call for the Ryder Cup,” he said. “Pretty crazy that we’re a year out, but special day tomorrow—could be even better.”
Bradley knows he’s in rare territory. Prior to Palmer’s captaincy more than a half-century ago, playing captains were commonplace.
“No one has ever experienced what I’m going through right now,” he admitted.
“Arnold Palmer did in 1962 (1963*), I think it was, but most captains are done playing or on the Champions Tour. So it’s pretty cool—I’m experiencing something that not a lot of people have.”
🚨👀🇺🇸 #NEW — Keegan Bradley reacts after shooting -7, 63 on Saturday: “Tomorrow’s the year anniversary of getting the call for the Ryder Cup… special day tomorrow, could be even better.” He’ll begin Sunday 3 back.