U.S. Ryder Cup captain's picks 2025: Keegan Bradley names his final six to take on Europe

After weeks of speculation regarding the final six members of Team USA's Ryder Cup squad, Keegan Bradley has finally made his picks today. The captain of Team USA recently announced his six picks who will take on Team Europe at Bethpage Black.

Before the press conference on August 27, 2025, six players were automatically qualified to play for the USA: Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau. After today's announcement, the final six Ryder Cup members for the American squad are:

• First pick: Justin Thomas
• Second Pick: Collin Morikawa
• Third Pick: Ben Griffin
• Fourth Pick: Cameron Young
• Fifth Pick: Patrick Cantlay
• Sixth Pick: Sam Burns

These 12 pros will march into the Black Course of Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, on September 26, 2025. This year, the Luke Donald-led European squad will defend its Ryder Cup title. Contrary to popular beliefs and President Trump's backing, Keegan Bradley did not pick himself as the playing captain.

He could have been the first to be so since Arnold Palmer in 1963, but the captain of Team USA did what he felt was needed for his team to win. In the past, Bradley has mentioned multiple times that if needed, he might play. However, there were instances when he admitted that it's going to be a series of tough choices for him.

What did Keegan Bradley say about his final six picks for Team USA's Ryder Cup squad?

Bradley was candid about how he felt about the golfers he selected. Following his first pick, the golfer praised Justin Thomas. Bradley said (as quoted by ASAP Sports):

"Justin is the heartbeat of our team... He's the fifth-ranked player in the world. This guy was born to play Ryder Cups."

Keegan Bradley's second pick was Collin Morikawa. According to the captain of the Team USA Ryder Cup squad, Morikawa would do anything to help the team win. Bradley said:

"Collin is one of the most genuine, thoughtful people that I've ever met... he'll do whatever it takes to help our team win."

Talking about Ben Griffin and Cameron Young, Bradley complimented both of them for their consistency. The PGA Tour pro said:

"Ben is an extremely confident... He had to show all year that he was playing at this level and he was consistent... Cam has been one of the most consistent players on the Tour the last four or five years... proud to have a New Yorker on our team."

Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns were Bradley's fifth and sixth picks, respectively. The captain of the Team USA Ryder Cup squad praised both of them.

"He's got a 15-6-1 record in team events. When he speaks, people listen. Patrick was born for the Ryder Cup... Sam is an incredibly passionate golfer. He's the best putter on the planet."

Despite months of speculation, Bradley did not pick himself to be a playing captain. Although Donald Trump had urged him to do so, Bradley did what he felt was best for the USA to win. The PGA Tour pro also sent a heartfelt message to the US President after not fulfilling his wish.