Team USA captain Keegan Bradley has reportedly admitted to several LIV Golf players that he should have included them in his Ryder Cup lineup after the team’s disappointing performance at Bethpage Black.
The United States suffered a damaging defeat to Team Europe in the 2025 Ryder Cup, sparking widespread criticism of Bradley’s selections. While Europe celebrated another famous win, questions immediately arose over whether Bradley’s decision to overlook certain LIV Golf stars had weakened his squad.
According to reports, Bradley has since privately acknowledged to at least three LIV players that he regrets leaving them out. Although he has not publicly named the individuals, speculation suggests that established LIV figures—some of whom have been in strong form—were considered but ultimately dismissed due to the ongoing PGA Tour–LIV Golf divide.
The admission comes at a time when the Ryder Cup is facing a critical moment in its history. With golf’s two biggest tours still at odds, selection politics played a major role in shaping both teams. Europe benefited from the return of Jon Rahm and other stars, while the US appeared short of experience and spark.
Bradley’s admission will only fuel debate over whether future US captains should be allowed greater flexibility to select LIV players without political pressure. Fans and pundits alike have been quick to argue that the Ryder Cup should always prioritize the strongest possible line-up, regardless of tour affiliation.
As the fallout continues, Bradley himself faces scrutiny over his leadership decisions. While his honesty about second thoughts may win him some sympathy, it also highlights just how costly those choices proved in one of the most high-stakes events in golf.
With the next Ryder Cup set for 2027, the US now faces an uphill battle—not just in terms of performance, but in how it navigates the ongoing fracture within professional golf.
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