Did Keegan Bradley make the right Ryder Cup decision?

Check out our writers and editors weekly unfiltered opinions on the sport’s hottest topics and join the conversation by tweeting on @Golf_Com. This week, we discussed whether Keegan Bradley made the right call with his Ryder Cup captain’s draft pick.

US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley finished his team in a draft pick announced on Wednesday for six captains, and most were shocked to learn that Bradley didn’t play himself (although ranked 11th). Ultimately, Bradley said, the six draft picks came into the team, just as Captain America’s job was he making the right decision? Is there more?

Josh Sens, Senior Writer (@Joshsens): I’m not sure if it’s right or wrong, but it’s definitely disappointing because it strips another plot of events, which should be entertainment, right? But this is also an understandable move. Bradley stood out and risked his risk of putting himself on the team. He also does seem to convince that the damage of this multiple mission will exceed its help.

Josh Schrock, News Editor (@schrock_and_awe): Did he make the right decision for the team? perhaps. It’s impossible to know if it’s possible to be a successful captain, but I do think that not choosing your own decision will inspire 12 people in a way that is rarely the case for Americans. Now, is Bradley’s decision the right thing for golf itself? I don’t think so. The Ryder Cup is the biggest event in golf every two years, making him a bigger buzz as the tournament captain trying to increase the ratings.

Josh Berhow, executive editor (@Josh_Berhow): There are many layers to this matter, but I do think he is team. Sure, he could have contributed as a player, but I do think there is something to say to put others first and the message sent to them. Maybe that’s the motivation they need. Maybe it can indeed free Keegan to focus on something else. It surely takes away a major storyline and distractions – as well as some fun.

Some people think that Bradley should have called him by his name because his game is good enough that he has history in the course and because it will add juice to exhibition events that have not been contested for over 60 years. What do you think?

Sens: I think this is a valid argument. Most importantly, though, I hope Bradley chooses himself, as this will be an opportunity to take the role of Ryder Cup captain’s role out of theological role. Golf, players, the media all have a commitment to training, elaboration and brain surgery time for everyone doing this work. I refuse to believe it is complicated. Telling a story about how Paul Azinger’s pod system became a genius, or how Hal Sutton ruined everything by pairing Phil and Tiger, and so on, that’s fun. After all, this is mass entertainment. This depends to a lot on these narratives. certainly. Some of the captain’s decisions are important. But is it really complicated? Six players are automatically eligible. You pick six people who perform well and come up with a pairing. The rest comes down to which team is better at dealing with stress and vulnerabilities. It’s my long term, and I’m sure Bradley could have handled double duty like he could walk and chew gum.

Schroker: As mentioned above, I agree that it will add juice to the activity. But that’s not why he chose himself. He should choose himself because he is one of the 12 best American players and if he is not the captain, he will join the team. The event will have all the juices you need, but the extra bit will never hurt.

Beljo: While cool, you’ll see a leader in a competitor, it’s unlikely that Keegan’s play will hit more than twice. Absolutely three times the maximum. But beyond that, the Ryder Cup, like the Grand Slam, brings casual golf fans. It’s just a guess, but I bet that many of them don’t care or understand the importance of the game at all. So I really don’t believe we lost so much juice.

Which team has a better chance to win: Current team, Bradley as captain, or Bradley plays as one of six options (take your choice)?

Sens: Neither. Either way, the Europeans will have a stronger team.

Schroker: I think Bradley’s joining the team will bring better victories to the Americans. But, like Sens, I think Europe would be better on paper.

Beljo: I think the team that played against Keegan has a better chance of winning because he has performed well this year and is the exact type you want in this game. But Keegan bets to pick the right person, not the best ones – steal a line from Herb Brooks and Miracle – which means he is focused on becoming a captain. Although the captain received a lot of praise or blame, it really depends on the team playing the best golf ball. Captains can help motivate or strategy a little bit, but these guys are professional players. Go play golf. But, I’ll say that-I feel bad about Bradley. He may be playing this Ryder Cup, but a series of strange situations have brought us into this goal. Even if he thinks it’s the right call, he has to sit down.

Which captain’s draft pick is most stressful for him to perform in Bethpage Black?

Sens: The seductive answer is Cameron Young, as he 1) is in the top 12 in the standings and 2) will play in front of the home country crowd in his first cup. But I’m going to say Sam Burns, because he was selected as part of his great putt, but probably because of his friendship with Scottie Scheffler. You have to think they will be paired in some team matches. And if a pair featuring the world’s number one player, it’s not difficult to figure out where the blame will fall.

Schroker: burn. We know Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley pair well, so if the duo is broken, then Burns and Scheffler can play together, then Burns have to perform. Also, in my opinion, Bradley’s choice is between himself and Burns, so don’t let the captain regret giving up his Ryder Cup dream.

Beljo: Why not Patrick Cantlay? He is the topic of the 2023 Ryder Cup And you know the storyline will appear again in Bethpage. He also ranked 15th in the rankings of the car park (between Burns and Burns), so Bradley had to reach for him. Plus, he didn’t do well in big games this year – he missed the last three big things of the season.

On a Happy Labor Day weekend, golfers everywhere are taking advantage of bonus days to rest and reward. What is your favorite radar course this summer?

Sens: The newly renovated Poppy Ridge in Livermore, California is not a full-fledged sleeper because it is the status of the Poppy Hills sibling course. But it’s on the quiet outer edge of the Bay Area, which is a very amazing route. Jay Blasi got the best land from three existing nine people, creating a friendly 18 fun variety. Except Pasatiempo. I don’t think there is a better public access course in San Francisco for an hour and the price is correct (if you keep a barrier with the Northern California Golf Association, you can play for under $100).

Schroker: Admittedly, I haven’t played a lot of golf this summer. But, as a newbie to the Philadelphia area, I really like Inniscrone. This is very interesting. This was Gil Hanse’s first design and it was tough to test. Not a super radar, but my new one!

Beljo: I played a small golf this year (but played many 8U softball games), but hope to explore the North Michigan golf next year. But, more importantly, is anyone aware that we have three Joss Answers Tour tonight? We will never forget the miracle of Labor Day weekend.