With the 2025 Ryder Cup around the corner, Team USA finds itself in an unusual position that has sparked plenty of conversation. Even seasoned players are weighing in, hinting that this year’s challenge could make things very interesting. Brian Harman shared his thoughts on what lies ahead for the team.
Speaking on SiriusXM, the conversation quickly turned to one of the hottest topics for Team USA — whether Keegan Bradley should take on the rare role of playing captain. Harman didn’t hesitate. “I would not have any problem with Keegan playing. He is top 10 in the world. He has had an incredible year,” he said. With a win at the Travelers Championship, five top-10 finishes, and a strong showing at the PGA Championship, Bradley’s 2025 season, in Harman’s view, leaves no doubt he’s capable of handling both responsibilities. If Bradley takes on both roles, it would mark the first time a U.S. player has captained and competed since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
Harman also praised Bradley’s ability to separate his duties. “I think Keegan can compartmentalize it. I think he could play and be a captain — when he’s a captain, he’s a captain, and when he’s a player, he’s a player. I think he has got a great team around him… so he’s going to have a lot of help, and you know it’s a real team deal… he’s the face of it,” Harman explained. That skill has been key to Bradley’s recent PGA Tour success. Since the start of the 2022–23 season, he has earned four victories — a total bettered only by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy in the same period.
Bradley won’t be navigating the Ryder Cup alone. He’ll have an all-star support crew in vice-captains: Brandt Snedeker, Gary Woodland, Webb Simpson, Kevin Kisner, and Jim Furyk. It’s a group that blends fresh perspective with proven Ryder Cup pedigree. Furyk, in particular, brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, including three stints as vice-captain, U.S. wins in 2016 and 2021, and a turn as captain in 2018.
As a player, he was a fixture on the team for nearly two decades, making nine consecutive appearances from 1997 to 2014, the second-most in American history. Kisner may be the rookie of this leadership group, but he’s battle-tested in team settings, having assisted at the 2024 Presidents Cup and competed for the U.S. in both 2017 and 2022.
Harman hinted at what he believes could be the team’s one real challenge; and possibly its secret weapon. “Well, that’s a good problem to have… It’s a great problem for America to have such good players… good young players… you know, I don’t envy Keegan’s choice at all, he has got some tough decisions to make,” he said. With stars like Scheffler, Schauffele, and DeChambeau already locked in, the U.S. lineup is overflowing with talent. The real intrigue may come from the few spots still open, where strong contenders like J.J. Spaun and Russell Henley are left wondering if they’ll get the nod.
Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Bryson DeChambeau lead the charge for Team USA. Scheffler needs no introduction after an iconic year. He has 14 top-10 finishes, including four wins, two of which were majors, the PGA Championship and The Open, and he hasn’t missed a cut all season. At the 2023 Ryder Cup, Scheffler faced some challenges, going 0-2-2, but his incredible season form has only fueled his fire for victory, exactly what the USA team needs.
Bryson DeChambeau is in a league of his own. The Ryder Cup gives him a rare chance to reunite with his fellow stars. He has played all four majors this season, finishing in the top 10 in three of them, and is currently ranked number three in the LIV standings. And Xander Schauffele had a 1-3-0 record at the 2023 Ryder Cup. While not flashy, he remains a top-level player with nine career PGA Tour wins and currently sits third in the PGA Tour rankings.
Even Team Europe has shown a cooperative approach this year, making small adjustments that could quietly benefit Team USA.
Team Europe Lends a Helping Hand to Team USA
Team Europe captain Luke Donald has taken a surprisingly cooperative approach to help Bradley navigate the unique challenge of being a potential playing captain. Normally, only the team captain can communicate with players during matches, which could have left the U.S. squad without crucial guidance when Bradley is on the course. To address this, Bradley asked Luke Donald to allow a vice-captain to step in whenever he’s playing. A source familiar with the situation said, “Keegan went to Luke with this clause and Luke generously agreed. We don’t want any bad blood between the camps.”
This small but significant adjustment gives Team USA more flexibility and keeps Bradley’s dual role from becoming a disadvantage. With preparations already underway, the Americans can focus on strategy and teamwork, confident that the player-captain scenario won’t leave them without direction when it matters most. As the Ryder Cup approaches, the U.S. team’s mix of talent and leadership sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown, where every choice could shape the outcome.
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