Keegan Bradley has chosen his first vice-captain
07/25/2024 07:46 PM
Keegan Bradley has chosen his first vice-captain
On Tuesday, the name of the first collaborator chosen by Keegan Bradley to form his working group for Bethpage was announced.
The name of the first vice-captain is not what many expected (me first): Bradley called Webb Simpson.
Simpson played in three Ryder Cups as a player: Medinah, Gleneagles and Paris, as many losses for Team USA.
He also took part in three Presidents Cups, in 2011, 2013 and 2019, three of the many victories for Team USA.
Keegan Bradley, statementsOn the other hand, Simpson has no experience as a vice-captain, but this is not a problem for the Captain, who during the press conference after his appointment was very specific about it:
“I intend to choose the vice-captains with a new perspective”
“They will be much younger, closer to the game”.
Speaking about Simpson’s appointment, he said:
“Webb is someone I have always admired and respected as both a competitor and a friend.”
“He brings a wealth of team experience and knows what it takes to win.”
“Webb will be a valuable member of our leadership team and a trusted resource for me as we prepare for Bethpage Black.”
Simpson also thanked Bradley:
“I am honoured to have been chosen by Keegan to serve as vice-captain in 2025.”
“Being a part of three Ryder Cups will forever be among the highlights of my career.”
“I have no doubt that Keegan will be a fantastic captain and an exceptional leader, and I couldn’t be more excited to get to work trying to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.”
The competition, which takes its name from the trophy donated by the Englishman Samuel Ryder (1858–1936) to the American federation in 1924, is co-managed by the European Tour and the PGA of America.
From 1927 to 1971 the tournament was played between the United States and Great Britain, with a clear European predominance (15-3) and only one draw. In 1973 Ireland was incorporated into Great Britain and in 1979 the rest of continental Europe. Following the acceptance of the European team as an opponent of the United States, the tournament has been much more balanced: from 1979 to 2018, in fact, there have been eleven successes for Europe, eight for the United States and only one draw.