Jordan Spieth has joked he has tried convincing Keegan Bradley not to play at next month’s Ryder Cup.

The Team USA skipper could become the first playing captain for 62 years at Bethpage Black.

Spieth has not given up hope of appearing at a sixth consecutive Ryder CupCredit: Getty

The three-time major winner even joked about ‘desperate measures’ to make Bradley’s rosterCredit: US PGA TOUR

Golf legend Arnold Palmer was the last player to do so back in 1965.

Bradley has hinted at following in his footsteps after an impressive season on the PGA Tour.

With just two events to go before the automatic picks are locked in, he sits tenth in the Team USA Ryder Cup rankings.

Meanwhile, Spieth finds himself 27th, over 6,000 points adrift of the top six and a guaranteed spot at Bethpage.

The three-time major winner has a plethora of Ryder Cup experience, though, having appeared in the last five editions dating back 11 years.

Spieth also won on both his previous outings on home soil in 2016 and 2021.

As a result, he could still secure a place on the team as one of six captain’s picks.

However, the 32-year-old admits his chances would be better if Bradley opts against choosing himself.

Speaking ahead of this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, Spieth explained: “Well, it was my loftiest goal to start the season.

“I was coming in with almost no carryover points from 2024 which hurt. It was unusual for me for a Ryder Cup year, and then obviously skipping the first month of the season and starting late.

Spieth has tasted victory on both his previous Ryder Cups on home soilCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Team USA skipper Bradley could still pick himself to become a playing captainCredit: Getty

“The idea that I have a chance for it is very cool. If you told me I had a chance in August I would have been excited about it. Having said that, I’m on the outside looking in right now, I recognise that.

“I keep trying to convince Keegan that it will be a lot for him to play too, so he should probably give that up, that pick. It just seems like way too much to do. So I’m trying to open up all the opportunities I can (laughs).

“It would be incredible, I’ve played in five of them and I would love to play in another five if I can or more. This one will be special being at Bethpage. It would mean a lot to me but I know I’m on the outside looking in.

“I guess I could still automatically qualify but the point is I’m still reliant on the captain and the assistants to think that I would be an additive addition to the team, so that’s my goal.”

Who is on Team USA at the Ryder Cup?

The six automatic spots will be finalised on August 17 after next weekend’s BMW Championship.

World no.1 Scottie Scheffler has already guaranteed his place on Team USA.

Meanwhile, Spieth would be one of the most experienced players available to Bradley thanks to his previous appearances.

Across those five Ryder Cups, he has accumulated an 8-9-5 record after failing to win any of his four matches in 2023.

Spieth is also without a PGA Tour win since clinching the RBC Heritage in April 2022.

As for Bradley, he was recently handed a boost to his hopes of playing after a rule change allowing on-course advice from vice-captains.

The agreement with Team Europe skipper Luke Donald opens the door for the former PGA Championship winner to select himself.

The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place in New York between September 26 and 28.