• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Ryder Cup Gets Wilder As Bradley Could Play Dual Role

The Ryder Cup is already expected to be the wildest ever in September, given rowdy New York crowds. U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley might stir things up even more.

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The most anticipated, controversial, and lucrative Ryder Cup in history continues to get even more wonky on and off the course.

Three months ahead of September’s event at Bethpage Black Golf Course in New York, the possibility of Keegan Bradley being the first playing captain at a Ryder Cup since Arnold Palmer in 1963 has reached a fever pitch.

Bradley, 39, who was named captain of the U.S. team last July after Tiger Woods turned down the role, won the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship on Sunday, which boosted him eight spots up to ninth in the U.S. team Ryder Cup rankings. The top six after the Tour Championship in August automatically qualify for the squad, with Bradley on tap to select the final six to make up the 12-man team.

When he accepted the captaincy, Bradley said he wouldn’t use a captain’s pick on himself, and that he would play only if he qualified for the team. However, on Sunday night, he shifted his stance. “This changes the story a little bit,” Bradley said. “I never would have thought about playing if I hadn’t won. This definitely opens the door to play.”

Money Matters

Bradley playing as captain would no doubt further fuel what is already expected to be a rowdy home American crowd, which has led the PGA of America, which operates the Ryder Cup when it is played in the U.S. every four years, to take special security measures in preparation for unruly fans at Bethpage. On Sunday, the crowds at the Travelers Championship were repeatedly chanting “USA, USA” as Bradley came from behind to defeat England’s Tommy Fleetwood, an expected member of the European Ryder Cup team. 

With up to 60,000 people on-site daily, September’s event will easily set revenue records, Ryder Cup championship director Bryan Karns previously told Front Office Sports.

The influx of income comes after tickets quickly sold out last year, despite outcry from many fans and media about the $750 general-admission price tag.

Meanwhile, in a first for the Ryder Cup, players on the U.S. team will receive a $200,000 stipend for competing in the biennial team golf event. Players on the European team, who will continue to not receive any payment, have questioned the need for the Americans to be compensated. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy previously said he “would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup” team.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Close up view of the ball and club of Scott Scheffler during the first round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament.

From Third Tier to $1M: Michael Brennan’s Surprise PGA Tour Win

The 23-year-old won his first professional start on the PGA Tour.

As the NFL, NBA, and NHL Go Global, The Masters Is Looking..

The tournament’s chairman touted new qualification measures.

YouTube Stars Help Bring Back Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’

The show will return in 2026 after an 11-year hiatus.
January 8, 2023; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick hits his tee shot on the 11th hole during the final round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions golf tournament at Kapalua Resort - The Plantation Course.

PGA Tour Cancels $20M Season Opener After Moving Out of Maui

The 2026 season will now begin a week later at the Sony Open in Honolulu.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Oct 26, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a three-point shot in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Frost Bank Center.

NBA Betting Scandals Overshadow Wembanyama’s Superstar Leap

Wembanyama is following the path of Shohei Ohtani in MLB.
Oct 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) holds the MVP trophy after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in game five of the NLCS during the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium.
October 24, 2025

World Series Will Be First to Showcase Ohtani’s Two-Way Skills

The two-way superstar is slated to pitch in the World Series.
Terry Rozier
October 24, 2025

Terry Rozier Will Be Paid Full NBA Salary While on Leave

The Heat are scheduled to pay Rozier $26.6 million for this season. 
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
Malik Beasley
October 23, 2025

After NBA Gambling Arrests, Where Does Malik Beasley Stand?

Beasley was in line to receive a three-year deal from the Pistons.
October 22, 2025

Michelle Wie West: LPGA Earnings vs Endorsements ‘Leveling Out’

Wie West is now retired and focused on investing.
Malonga
October 21, 2025

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
Keegan Murray
October 21, 2025

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.