U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has completed his leadership team. He has appointed Gary Woodland as his fifth and final vice‑captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Gary Woodland Joins Elite Leadership Room
Gary Woodland joins seasoned veterans Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson, and Brandt Snedeker in the vice‑captain lineup. This marks Woodland’s first time in a Ryder Cup role—either as a player or captain’s aide.
Why Bradley Chose Woodland
Bradley conveyed strong admiration:
“I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for Gary…”.
Also Read:
He’s impressed by Woodland’s major‑champion pedigree, resilience, and consistency under pressure. Woodland won the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and has four PGA Tour victories to his name. Bradley emphasized Woodland’s deep understanding of golf’s biggest moments, calling him “a valuable leader… throughout the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black”.
Gary Woodland’s Inspiring Journey
Gary Woodland, 41, is more than a golf champion—he’s a story of courage. After undergoing brain surgery in 2023 to remove a lesion, he returned to play all four majors in 2024. His comeback earned him the 2025 PGA Tour Courage Award. Recently he tied for second at the Houston Open, proving he’s still performing at a high level.
Woodland, who previously represented the U.S. in the 2019 Presidents Cup, said he feels “extremely excited and grateful… fully committed to doing everything I can to help Keegan as well as our team”.
The Playing‑Captain Plot Thickens
Bradley, ranked No. 9 in Ryder Cup standings, has hinted he might play in the event too. His recent win at the Travelers Championship has stoked speculation about a playing‑captain role—something not seen since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Bradley recently said he’d only play if “it’s the best thing for the team”.
If Bradley joins the team as a player, Woodland and the other vice‑captains will take on even more crucial leadership duties. It’s a dynamic situation that adds intrigue as September approaches.
