Phil Mickelson is surprised by Keegan Bradley’s appointment. (Image: X – Mike McAllister)

Phil Mickelson has admitted he was surprised by the PGA of America’s decision to name Keegan Bradley as the US’ next Ryder Cup captain. However, the 54-year-old has hailed him and believes he has all the credentials to guide the US to a record-extending 28th Ryder Cup triumph.

On Monday, Bradley was revealed as the US Ryder Cup committee’s choice of captain for the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black in New York.

Tiger Woods was widely expected to take up the role after months of discussions involving whether he had time to commit to the duties that come with it, including promotion of the competition.

But Bradley – despite only featuring at the Ryder Cup twice, most recently in 2014 – will lead the US against Europe in September.

Mickelson has represented the US 12 times in the competition, winning it in 1999, 2008 and 2016, and he has reacted positively to the decision.

“I was surprised at the pick, and I think it’s a great pick the more I think about it. He played a lot of golf at Bethpage when he went to St. John’s,” Mickelson explained.

“His passion for the Ryder Cup is just about greater than any player I’ve ever seen. His love for the Ryder Cup is more than anybody I know.

Keegan Bradley is the US’ new Ryder Cup captain. (Image: Getty)

“I think he’s going to lead with that type of passion. I think he’s incredible. I’m really, really happy for him. I think we all are.

“I’m really happy for him, knowing how gut-wrenching it was not to be part of the team last year. But to now have the opportunity to lead and go forward is great.”

Bradley has been completing media training in New York this week after expressing his pride at being named US captain and stressing his passion for the Ryder Cup.

The 2011 PGA Championship winner wrote in a statement: “I am incredibly honoured to accept this opportunity to captain the United States team at the 2025 Ryder Cup.