Keegan Bradley has reflected critically on his past year in professional golf, despite experiencing significant achievements. In the 2023 season, he secured victory at the Travelers Championship and finished tied for seventh at the Tour Championship. Additionally, he came close to earning a spot on his third U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Bradley’s Year-End Assessment
Despite his notable successes, Bradley rated his year as a failure, giving it an “F.” He explained, “You’ve got to go and win that and this grade’s different.” This year was particularly challenging due to his role as captain of the American Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black, a team that ultimately faced defeat.
Reflections on Leadership
Bradley expressed mixed feelings about his captaincy, admitting, “This is a gaping hole in my career that I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to fill.” He noted that being a captain is not something one can simply work harder for—it is an appointed role. The future of the Ryder Cup team leadership remains uncertain, with the PGA of America yet to announce a successor for the 2027 event at Adare Manor, Ireland. Tiger Woods has been mentioned as a potential candidate, although he indicated he hasn’t been approached for the position.
Team Dynamics and Course Conditions
During the recent Ryder Cup, tensions arose regarding the green speeds at Bethpage Black. U.S. team member Justin Thomas commented on disagreements between players and the grounds crew concerning the pace of the greens. Bradley supported Thomas’s observations, stating, “I’ve never seen Bethpage greens play this soft ever.”
- Bradley emphasized the complexity of course conditions, asserting, “There’s so much going on.”
- He also commended the grounds crew for their efforts, acknowledging the difficulty in achieving optimal green speeds.
- Ultimately, he took personal responsibility for the loss, stating, “Blame me. I blame myself for that loss.”
As Bradley looks back, he recognizes both his successes and the disappointments of the year. While proud of his performance in various tournaments, the Ryder Cup defeat weighs heavily on him. Moving forward, he is hopeful yet realistic about the future challenges that lie ahead in his career.
