Phil Mickleson has given his verdict after Keegan Bradley was named the next US Ryder Cup captain ahead of the upcoming Open Championship at Troon

Bradley will lead the home side at Bethpage Black in September 2025 after Tiger Woods turned down the role. The 15-time major winner is focusing on brokering a peace deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.

Bradley, 38, played on losing sides in 2012 and 2014 and was controversially overlooked for a wild card in 2023, with Zach Johnson’s side going on to lose by five points at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. His appointment has surprised many, including Mickelson, 54, who would have been a contender for the job himself had he not defected to LIV. However, ‘Lefty’ is also excited by the bold move.

“I was surprised at the appointment,” said Mickelson ahead of the upcoming Open Championship at Troon. “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. Johns [University]. His passion for the Ryder Cup is greater than just about any player I’ve ever seen.

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

Another US Ryder Cup star, Xander Schauffele, has also expressed in surprise, given Bradley’s age. The USPGA champion said: “You typically expect someone that’s a little bit older to get selected as a captain.

Keegan Bradley after being sworn in as the next US Ryder Cup captain (Image: AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“I think a lot of people were banking on Tiger to do it. He obviously has a lot on his plate. So Keegan expressed his love for the Ryder Cup publicly, which we all saw, and I’m sure he’s over the moon and is going to do a great job.

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“He is so laid back off the course. If you get him in like a dinner setting or something, he loves sports. He’ll talk about sports all night long if you like. He’s a very passionate individual.

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“On the course, he’s intense. That’s just how he competes and how he is. I’m sure as a captain he’s going to have sort of a mixed bag. He won’t be afraid and will get everyone going.

“I don’t know if he’s coached or captained any other teams in his life, whether it’s his kids’ teams or something like that, but when someone is really passionate about something, they usually do really well.”