,[object Object],, the ,[object Object], captain for 2025, made the notable decision not to pick himself as a playing member of the United States team for the prestigious golf event set to take place at ,[object Object], in New York. Bradley, who has the option to become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, instead chose to focus solely on his captaincy duties. This decision came despite him finishing 11th in the Ryder Cup standings and having a strong season including two PGA Tour victories in the last year. Bradley stated that he made the decision not to play "a while ago" and believes the other players stepped up and earned their spots on the team .

The United States roster comprises six automatic qualifiers and six captain's picks. The automatic qualifiers include top-ranked players like Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau, all of whom have shown excellent form throughout the season. Bradley’s six captain's picks were Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns. These choices reflect a blend of experience and in-form talent, with players like Thomas and Morikawa considered reliable performers and others like Ben Griffin and Cameron Young recognized as emerging stars. Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns add match play grit and strong putting skills respectively, vital for the team’s success at Bethpage .

Bradley's decision sparked debate given his credentials and form. He has experienced a proud season, but the unique demands of being both a player and a captain in the contemporary Ryder Cup—managing practice sessions, player pairings, media obligations, and motivational responsibilities—present a daunting challenge. Critics and commentators highlighted that the Ryder Cup has grown too complex for one individual to handle dual roles effectively. Rory McIlroy, among others, suggested that the captain needs to have the flexibility to manage team strategy without the distraction of competing simultaneously. Bradley acknowledged the weight of this choice and the possibility that his legacy could be defined either way by the outcome of the event .

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held September 26-28 at the demanding ,Bethpage Black, course, known for its difficulty and history of hosting major tournaments. The U.S. team, under Bradley’s leadership but without him as a player, aims to reclaim the trophy on home soil. His six captain's picks complete a strong and strategically chosen squad ready to take on the European team. Bradley emphasized trust in his selections and the readiness of the team to perform. The decision to exclude himself reflects a focus on leadership from the sidelines, prioritizing team cohesion and tactical management over personal competition .