Phil Mickelson does not look set to have a role at the 2025 Ryder Cup, with Team USA captain Keegan Bradley set to embrace LIV Golf stars for the first time

Keegan Bradley has hinted that Phil Mickelson may not have a future within the Team USA framework for the 2025 Ryder Cup, despite other LIV Golf figures potentially being welcomed.

The contention around eligibility for players from the controversial Saudi-funded LIV Golf series has been casting long shadows over discussions about its role in golf’s power dynamics. It’s anticipated that several of these athletes might tee off at Bethpage Black, improving on Brooks Koepka’s solo appearance for LIV in Rome two years prior.

However, there seems to be no vacancy available for the poster boy of LIV Golf, Mickelson. While the European team’s captain, Luke Donald, is open to seeing old-timer Sergio Garcia back in the Ryder Cup mix, Bradley sticks to his earlier theory that Mickelson isn’t keen on a Ryder Cup comeback.

“To be honest, I haven’t gotten that far,” Bradley disclosed. “Personally, I don’t think he’s really interested in doing it. 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.”

The explosive inception of LIV Golf saw many top-tier PGA Tour professionals, Mickelson leading the charge, seizing hefty paychecks to play a lighter game schedule under the Saudi banner. The onset of this splinter group shook the foundations of professional golf, with those defecting to LIV Golf facing a barrage of backlash, Mickelson attracting the brunt of it.

Bradley honored the legend that is Mickelson, noting how Phil’s wisdom and guidance played a significant role early in his journey. He reminisced: “Early in my career, I really took for granted Phil’s leadership that he gave me. 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.”

Keegan Bradley could become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 ( Image: PA)

Bradley continued, recounting Mickelson’s mentorship: “He mentored me before the event. Took me to dinner. He talked to me nonstop 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.”

Looking ahead, Bradley has confirmed Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker as deputy captains for the upcoming matches. Considering Zach Johnson had six in the past, Bradley may select up to four additional vice-captains.

As for the composition of his squad, including potential LIV Golf participants, he affirmed his selection strategy: “I’m going to take the 12 best players,” maintaining an open approach to player choices. “So if we feel like there’s a few guys there, one guy, two guys, whatever it is, then we’re going to do that. But we’re too far out to figure out how this is all going to play out. But we’re definitely going to take the 12 best players, however that shakes out.”

Just last month, the PGA of America recently included LIV Golf in its roster of approved tours. This move instantly qualifies members for prestigious events such as the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship.

Consequently, golf stars like Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm are anticipated to participate in the 2025 Ryder Cup.