Keegan Bradley (left) expressed his desire to be the first to inform Luke Donald of his selection as the US Ryder Cup captain.
2025 Ryder Cup
Venue: Bethpage Black, New York Dates: 26-28 September
Coverage: Daily live text commentary and in-play clips on BBC Sport website from 11:30 BST. Radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 12:00. Daily TV highlights on iPlayer from 00:00.
Amidst anticipation of a challenging “bearpit” atmosphere at Bethpage for this week’s Ryder Cup, the opening exchanges between the captains in New York presented a remarkably cordial scene.
While passionate home support is expected at Bethpage, Europe’s captain Luke Donald and his US counterpart Keegan Bradley are poised to maintain an amicable demeanor.
Residing just four miles apart in Florida, both are members of Jack Nicklaus’ Bear’s Club and partners in a local restaurant venture.
Donald highlighted their “strong friendship” and “deep, mutual respect” during his opening statements.
“Keegan is someone that I’ve rooted for,” Donald remarked. “I would text him whenever he performed well in a tournament or secured a victory. We occasionally engage in practice rounds and share dinners together.”
In response, Bradley effused, “There are few individuals in the golf world whom I admire more than Luke Donald.”
“I feel fortunate to have Luke on the opposing side, as we frequently exchange texts and engage in playful banter. I relish the opportunity to spend time and enjoy a drink with Luke Donald.”
Their sentiments mirrored the unexpectedly serene ambiance at Bethpage’s renowned Black Course, with spectator access restricted until Tuesday.
Europe’s players will then experience their first taste of the New York crowd, as Donald’s team is scheduled to play all 18 holes of the undulating course on Long Island, approximately 40 miles east of Manhattan.
They could be greeted by thousands of fans in the stand overlooking the first tee and the adjacent 18th green. The question remains: will it prove as daunting as the atmosphere generated by the nearly 5,000-seat stand encircling the first tee at Rome in 2023?
Donald is taking preemptive measures, providing his players with virtual reality headsets, which Rory McIlroy explained can be programmed to simulate the “sights and sounds” anticipated by the visiting team.
Speaking this month, he elaborated, “You can tailor the experience to include any content you desire, pushing the boundaries as far as you deem appropriate.”
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Bradley convened his team early Monday on the first tee, where they observed the national anthem before embarking on a practice round.
“Every moment the team spends together, especially when it involves a powerful experience, strengthens their bond,” he stated.
“It was a genuinely enjoyable occasion. I had envisioned this moment for about a year, and witnessing the emotions it evoked in the players was a deeply meaningful experience for our team.”
Bradley put an end to speculation about potentially being the US side’s first player-captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 by opting not to select himself as a wildcard pick, despite finishing 11th in the qualifying standings.
When questioned about any regrets regarding his decision, he admitted, “I’ve contemplated it constantly.”
“I occasionally find myself gazing down the fairway, observing the players, and longing to be out there competing.”
“However, I believe I have been called to serve a greater purpose: to assist our players in preparing to compete at their highest potential.”
Naturally, both captains reiterated their desire to emerge victorious this week. After all, that is the ultimate objective. Will the US reclaim the Ryder Cup by extending their winning streak on home soil to three, or will defending champions Europe secure their first away victory since 2012?
“We haven’t come close to winning three out of the past four away Ryder Cups,” Donald acknowledged. “My role is to bridge that disparity.”
Both captains also concurred on their hope for a harmonious conclusion to the week.
“Come Sunday night, I eagerly anticipate sharing a drink with Luke Donald, reflecting on and further appreciating this experience,” Bradley concluded.
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