As the PGA Tour playoffs heat up, Cameron Young is not just chasing FedExCup points, he’s openly campaigning for a coveted spot on Keegan Bradley’s 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
The 28-year-old New York native, fresh off his maiden PGA Tour victory, emphasized his local roots and proven track record at Bethpage Black as key reasons why he could energize the American squad in next month’s biennial showdown against Europe.
“I think that my history at that golf course, albeit not on the PGA Tour, is a good point,” Young said in a recent interview on SIRIUSXM PGA TOUR Radio, when asked why Bradley should select him. “Being from the area I think I would draw a good bit of support, and like you said, my current form would be a strong point.”
Bethpage Black, the iconic public course in Farmingdale, New York, will host the Ryder Cup from September 26-28, 2025. For Young, who grew up in Scarborough, New York — about an hour’s drive from the venue — the event represents a homecoming. “It’s home for me out there,” he added, underscoring the personal connection.
Young’s affinity for Bethpage isn’t just sentimental. In 2017, as a 20-year-old amateur, he captured the New York State Open there, becoming the first amateur to win the event while tying the course record with a final-round 64, mark later surpassed by Brooks Koepka during the 2019 PGA Championship. His length off the tee — ranking 23rd on Tour in driving distance at 312.9 yards — aligns perfectly with the demanding 7,500-yard layout, which favors power players.
The push comes amid a late season push for Young, who entered May languishing in the 80s on the FedExCup standings but has since climbed to 14th after a dominant six-shot win at the Wyndham Championship earlier this month. That victory, where he matched the tournament record at 22-under par, marked his first PGA Tour title after seven runner-up finishes and propelled him into the playoffs with momentum. He followed it with a solo fifth at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, posting the best round of the day on Sunday.
Currently sitting 14th in the U.S. Ryder Cup points standings, Young is outside the top six automatic qualifiers but firmly in the mix for one of Bradley’s six captain’s picks, which will be announced after the Tour Championship.
“I was way down the FedEx Cup list. In May, I was way down in the 80s, and I’ve played some really, really good golf since then to get myself to where I’m at today,” he explained. Recent tweaks, including switching to a draw shot shape and a new ball, have transformed him into one of the hottest players on Tour.
Young’s Ryder Cup credentials extend beyond his pro career. Eleven years ago, he captained the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team to victory, showcasing early leadership in the format. However, his international record includes a 1-2-1 mark at the 2022 Presidents Cup, where he lost in singles to Sungjae Im — a point of scrutiny for some analysts.
Not everyone is convinced Young’s pitch seals the deal. Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard pushed back, saying, “No, I don’t think he has done everything he needs to do,” and questioning his ability to deliver under Ryder Cup pressure.
Hoggard referenced Young’s snub from the 2023 team despite strong major showings, when captain Zach Johnson opted for veterans like Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler for their experience and chemistry.
On the flip side, NBC’s Damon Hack has advocated strongly for Young, urging Bradley to take note of his Wyndham win, improved putting, and Bethpage familiarity.
“Young won the 2017 Met PGA NY State Open at Bethpage Black… Shot (then course record tying) 64 in the final round,” Hack highlighted on X.
Bradley, who faces his own dilemma as a potential playing captain (currently 10th in points) has yet to comment specifically on Young. But with contenders like Patrick Cantlay and Rickie Fowler voicing support for Bradley to play if qualified, the competition for picks is fierce.
For Young, the equation is simple: Keep performing. “I have some work left to do… this is week one of four,” he said. A strong showing at this week’s BMW Championship could make his case irresistible, turning local support into a roaring advantage at Bethpage Black.
