Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley Tees Off at Rocket Classic Amidst "U-S-A!" Chants

Posted : 26 June 2025

Fresh off a thrilling victory at the Travelers Championship, newly appointed Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley is set to command the spotlight at the Rocket Classic in Detroit. The win has intensified speculation about his potential dual role as a playing captain for the U.S. team, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his every move on the course.

Keegan Bradley has become accustomed to the resounding "U-S-A!" chants that follow him, a testament to his recent triumph and the buzz surrounding his Ryder Cup captaincy. His dramatic win at the Travelers Championship, where he snatched victory from Tommy Fleetwood on the final hole, has made him the undeniable center of attention as the Rocket Classic gets underway at the Detroit Golf Club.

At just 39 years old, Bradley's appointment as the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for September's tournament is a significant moment. His Travelers Championship win, secured with a two-shot swing on the 18th hole, saw him capitalize on Fleetwood's late stumble. The Englishman, who held a one-stroke lead heading into the final hole, bogeyed after an errant second shot and a three-putt, while Bradley calmly sank a birdie putt from inside six feet to claim his first victory of the year.

Bradley now faces a fascinating decision regarding whether to select himself as a playing captain. However, this choice might not even be necessary; his recent win propelled him to ninth place in the U.S. qualifying standings, with the top six automatically securing a spot on the team by August 17. For now, Bradley remains singularly focused on his performance in Detroit.

He emphasized that the golf course provides a crucial escape from his Ryder Cup responsibilities. "For me, the only time I can escape the Ryder Cup thoughts are when I'm inside the ropes," Bradley stated on Wednesday, adding, "When I leave those ropes, like when I go this afternoon, I have some Ryder Cup stuff I have to do. ... I think one of the things I've managed well this year is once I'm inside those ropes, I'm a player."

The Rocket Classic, formerly known as the Rocket Mortgage Classic, boasts a strong field this year, featuring five of the world's top 20 golfers: Collin Morikawa (No. 5), Bradley himself (No. 7), Hideki Matsuyama (No. 12), Ben Griffin (No. 17), and Patrick Cantlay (No. 20). Past champions Rickie Fowler (2023) and Tony Finau (2022) are also competing.

The tournament is held on a par-72, 7,370-yard course that is slated for renovation immediately after this year's event. While the impending changes have sparked some discussion, players like Collin Morikawa appreciate the course as it stands. "I know players that come here this week, there's not really complaints," Morikawa remarked. "We know you're going to have to shoot low, but we enjoy the golf course, we enjoy it how it is."

Defending champion Cam Davis of Australia will aim for his third win at this event, having previously triumphed in 2021 and 2024. Both of his victories here saw him finish at 18-under-par 270, with last year's win coming by a single stroke over four competitors. Davis expressed his comfort and confidence with the course, stating, "It's very cool, a place like this to bring back some good memories and good vibes. I've played this place really well before and I know a game plan that has worked multiple times now, so if there's any way that I'm going to draw some confidence just by being in a physical location, it's this place." The tournament also offers an opportunity for emerging talent, with former college stars Luke Clanton, Gordon Sargent, and Ashton McCulloch in the field, alongside Ole Miss senior Michael La Sasso, who is making his PGA Tour debut on a sponsor's exemption.

Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley Tees Off at Rocket Classic Amidst "U-S-A!" Chants

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