Rory McIlroy Says US Ryder Cup Team Stronger With Keegan Bradley Playing

Rory McIlroy has highlighted a fundamental difference in leadership styles between the U.S. and European Ryder Cup teams, emphasizing that the U.S. team is typically player-led while Europe is more captain-led under Luke Donald. McIlroy praised Keegan Bradley, the U.S. captain who is likely to also play in the 2025 Ryder Cup, noting Bradley's strong season and asserting that Team USA is better with him playing. Despite previously stating that a playing captain was impossible in modern golf due to the workload, McIlroy now acknowledges the potential dual role for Bradley following his recent PGA Tour successes. McIlroy cited the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome as an example where the U.S. team's lack of a single focal leader contributed to a poor start, contrasting it with Europe’s reliance on a strong captain figure. He expressed optimism about his own form heading into the Ryder Cup and noted the strategic differences in team management across the Atlantic. Overall, McIlroy sees the captaincy contrast as a key element shaping the dynamics of the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.