Donald Trump has endorsed Keegan Bradley as a playing-captain for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team. The U.S. president made his thoughts known on social media, saying Bradley “should definitely be on the American Ryder Cup Team as a playing captain. Trump went further, hinting that he would be at Bethpage Black, the host venue, to watch the event in person.
Trump Backs Bradley As Playing Captain
Trump’s support comes at a time when Bradley is facing one of the most difficult decisions of his career. Earlier this year, Bradley was named captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, a role that carries the responsibility of leading the squad, making pairings, and guiding players through the intense pressure of golf’s biggest team competition. But unlike most captains in modern history, Bradley is also considering putting himself on the team as a player.
The last time this happened was in 1963, when Arnold Palmer served as a playing captain. Since then, the Ryder Cup has grown into a much larger spectacle, with global television coverage, high stakes, and far greater demands on captains. Many observers believe that trying to balance both roles would be nearly impossible in today’s game.
‘Keegan Bradley should definitely be on the American Ryder Cup team – as Captain!!! He is an amazing guy. It will be a great Ryder Cup. At the invite of the PGA Tour, I will be there on tournament Friday!!!” President Trump posted on social media.
🚨🇺🇸👀 JUST IN — U.S. President Donald Trump says Keegan Bradley should be a playing Ryder Cup captain and added that he will be in attendance on the Friday. @KeegsArmy pic.twitter.com/JqHkSYuS08
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 24, 2025
Bradley Yet To Make Decision Amidst Trump Support
Bradley is yet to make a decision on whether he will pick himself as a playing captain or not. The 39-year-old is one of the top American players and has played well enough to make a case for his inclusion on the team as a competitor. That possibility has created a debate among players, analysts, and fans about whether he should take on the dual role.
Supporters argue that Bradley’s competitive fire and experience would help the Americans on the course, while his leadership qualities would still allow him to guide the team. Rickie Fowler and Patrick Cantlay have both suggested that Bradley deserves to play if his form justifies it. It now appears that Bradley has one supporter in Donald Trump as he prepares to make his decision.
However, there are others who are less convinced. European legends Nick Faldo and Sam Torrance have said it would be a mistake for Bradley to divide his attention between playing and captaining. Faldo, himself a former Ryder Cup captain, described the idea as “the worst decision a captain could ever make.” Rory McIlroy also weighed in recently, saying that for Bradley to be the best captain he can be, he should focus entirely on the leadership role.
Main Photo Credit: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
