Paige Spiranac Calls Out Phil Mickelson After Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup Decision
Keegan Bradley has officially ended speculation about whether he would return as a playing captain for Team USA at the 2025 Ryder Cup. On Wednesday, August 27, he announced that he would not compete and instead revealed his six captain’s picks for the upcoming showdown against Europe.
The move stirred debate across the golf community, drawing reactions from both golf influencer Paige Spiranac and six-time major champion Phil Mickelson.
Spiranac, who has been vocal in her support for Bradley as a player, shared her frustration on X (formerly Twitter).
“Back-to-back Ryder Cups where Keegan should have been playing,” she wrote. “I get why he picked the team first, but I wish he hadn’t been made captain this year. He had plenty of time in the future to take on that role. This was his chance to play.”
Bradley last played in the Ryder Cup in 2014 and narrowly missed out in 2023, making 2025 a likely comeback year for him. However, the captaincy forced him to prioritize building the strongest possible team over chasing personal milestones.
His captain’s selections included Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns. The decision drew mixed reviews—Spiranac expressed disappointment, but Mickelson strongly approved.
“Keegan did a great job today and handled himself with class,” Mickelson said. “He’s proving why he’s the right man to lead this team.”
Bradley also missed the opportunity to become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer, but players like Justin Thomas backed his selfless choice.
“Between now and the end of the Ryder Cup, people are going to keep saying it—Keegan is doing whatever he thinks is best for the team,” Thomas said. “That’s his only focus.”
When and Where to Watch the Ryder Cup 2025
The Ryder Cup will be played September 27–29, 2025, at the iconic Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. The three-day event pits top golfers from the U.S. against Europe in match play formats—foursomes, four-ball, and singles.
Fans in the U.S. can watch live coverage on NBC and Peacock, with sessions broadcast throughout the day. The Ryder Cup’s official website and social media will also provide real-time updates and highlights.