As the 2025 Ryder Cup looms at Bethpage Black from September 26-28, U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley has curated a powerhouse team of 12 players, mixing automatic qualifiers who dominated the points race with strategic captain’s picks aimed at reclaiming the cup on home soil after the 2023 debacle in Rome.
The auto-qualifiers showcase elite consistency, led by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and major champions like Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau, while Bradley’s selections emphasize match-play grit and recent form from stars such as Justin Thomas and Cam Young.
This “Bradley & The Boys” squad enters as favorites, buoyed by a blend of experience, youth, and home-crowd energy, ready to challenge Luke Donald’s European defending champions.
The Captain
Keegan Bradley
Keegan Bradley, born June 7, 1986, is an eight-time PGA Tour winner and the 2011 PGA Championship victor in his major debut, earning him the 2011 Rookie of the Year honors.
Appointed as the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captain in July 2024 at age 39, Bradley chose not to select himself as a player despite a world ranking of No. 11 (8th among Americans) and strong form, including 2025 Travelers Championship win, choosing to prioritize leadership after his 2023 snub.
With a 4-3-0 Ryder Cup record from 2012 and 2014 appearances, he now focuses on strategizing for victory at Bethpage Black, supported by five vice captains including Jim Furyk, Gary Woodland, Brandt Senedker, Kevin Kisner, and Webb Simpson.
Auto Qualifiers:
1. Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, secured his spot as the top U.S. qualifier with five PGA Tour wins in 2025, including the PGA Championship and The Open Championship, marking his third consecutive Ryder Cup appearance with a 2-2-3 record from 2021 and 2023. His dominant season included a BMW Championship victory and consistent top performances, making him a cornerstone for the U.S. team aiming to reclaim the Cup on home soil.
2. J.J. Spaun
J.J. Spaun clinched his Ryder Cup debut by winning the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont with a dramatic 64-foot birdie on the final hole, vaulting him to second in U.S. points and eighth in the world rankings. His breakout year featured six top-10 finishes, including runner-ups at The Players and FedEx St. Jude, showcasing his ball-striking prowess and clutch play under pressure.
3. Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele qualified for his third straight Ryder Cup with a 4-4-0 career record, bolstered by two major wins in 2024 (PGA and Open) despite a quieter 2025 season affected by a rib injury. Ranked third in the world, his consistent major performances and match-play experience make him a reliable asset for the U.S. team at Bethpage Black.
4. Russell Henley
Russell Henley earned his maiden Ryder Cup spot with consistent play, including a victory at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational and top-10 finishes in three of his last five majors. Ranked fourth in the world, his precision off the tee and around the greens, plus a 3-1 Presidents Cup record, position him as a versatile partner for stars like Scheffler.
5. Harris English
Harris English returns for his second Ryder Cup after a 1-2-0 debut in 2021, qualifying with a win at the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open and runner-up finishes at the PGA and The Open. His veteran presence and top-20 putting rank provide stability, especially after overcoming injuries to reclaim elite form in majors.
6. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau secured his third Ryder Cup berth, with a 2-3-1 record, highlighted by a 2024 U.S. Open win and strong major showings like runner-up at both the 2024 and 2025 PGA. As the lone LIV Golf qualifier, his power off the tee and big-moment experience make him invaluable for match play at Bethpage Black.
Captain’s Picks:
7. Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas, a Ryder Cup veteran with a 7-4-2 record across four appearances, earned his spot despite inconsistent form, bolstered by a 2025 RBC Heritage playoff win and eight top-10s. His match-play prowess and leadership make him a no-brainer pick.
8. Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa returns for his third Ryder Cup with a 4-3-1 record, selected for his elite iron play despite a winless 2025 and recent form struggles. As a two-time major champion, his consistency in team events and major pedigree add depth to the U.S. lineup.
9. Ben Griffin
Ben Griffin, a Ryder Cup rookie, was picked after a breakout 2025 with two PGA Tour wins, including the Zurich Classic and Charles Schwab Challenge, plus top-10s in the PGA and U.S. Open. His balanced game and playoff surge (T9, T12, T10), finishing ninth in points, make him a fresh, in-form addition to the team.
10. Cameron Young
Cameron Young also debuts in the Ryder Cup as a rookie, selected for his breakout Wyndham Championship win and strong playoff finishes, including a T4 at the Tour Championship. As a New York native with a New York State Open title at Bethpage Black, his length off the tee and improved putting provide a home-course edge.
11. Patrick Cantlay
Patrick Cantlay, in his third Ryder Cup with a 5-2-1 record, was picked for his proven team success despite a winless 2025 and slipping to 21st in world rankings. A T2 at the Tour Championship was the clincher. His clutch “Patty Ice” nerves in past Cups make him a reliable match-play performer.
12. Sam Burns
Sam Burns returns for his second Ryder Cup after a 1-2 debut in 2023, selected for elite putting (No. 1 in SG putting) and a major breakthrough with a 54-hole U.S. Open lead. “The best putter on the planet” (per Bradley) is close friends with Scheffler and birdie-making ability position him as a strong foursomes or four-ball partner.
