Keegan Bradley Leads US Ryder Cup to Narrow 15-13 Defeat Against Europe

Keegan Bradley, the 39-year-old captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, expressed deep anguish over the Americans' 15-13 defeat to Europe at Bethpage Black, calling it one of the toughest times in his life. Despite the U.S. team's spirited comeback in the final day singles matches, the large deficit from the first two days proved insurmountable, leading Bradley to say he doubts he will ever get over the loss. He reflected on his decision not to play, which would have made him the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, revealing mixed feelings and a wish that he had participated. Bradley took personal responsibility for some of the mistakes in strategy and acknowledged the emotional toll the defeat took on him, including a difficult moment before addressing his team on the Saturday night of the event. The loss marked Bradley's third Ryder Cup defeat—twice as a player and once as captain—and he conveyed the bittersweet nature of loving the Ryder Cup deeply despite its heartbreaks. Looking ahead, Bradley remains uncertain about competing again but is already contemplating the next Ryder Cup in 2027 at Adare Manor.