The American captain Declares He Will 'Never Get Over' Devastating Ryder Cup Loss
Keegan Bradley has featured in three Ryder Cups as player or captain but is yet to win it.
Keegan Bradley fears he will "never get over" Team America's loss to Europe following "one of the most difficult periods" in his career since the loss in New York.
The 39-year-old captained Team USA at Bethpage this past fall, overseeing a disastrous campaign while the European team clinched a narrow win.
His selection as captain made him the youngest captain of either side since the legendary golfer in 1963.
But he accepted he had made some wrong calls after his pairings and venue preparations were among the decisions questioned following the result, as Europe became the first team to win away in over a decade.
"Since Bethpage, this period has been one of the toughest times of my career," stated the captain in his first news conference since the event.
"When you win, it's glory for a lifetime - yet I failed and I'm going to have to sit with this for the rest of my life."
"I genuinely believe that this will ever fade. This event has been particularly harsh on me. I will always question and regret."
Despite a Thrilling Last Day Comeback Attempt
Despite a inspiring last-round rally effort, Team USA faced an insurmountable challenge once Europe built a 5½-2½ lead on the opening day and extended that to a commanding lead by the end of day two - the largest margin going into the final day in recent tournament history.
And although the hosts secured 8.5 points from the 12 singles matches, it wasn't enough.
"You invest enormous effort, and you have all this planning, and the first two days went as poorly beyond our worst expectations," commented the captain.
Leader's Personal Challenges
It was anticipated to fulfil a player-captain role yet experienced a "change of heart" earlier this year and opted against playing at the venue.
"During the initial training session, I was out on the tee, observing the players proceed down the course as a group, and I said to myself 'I wish I was playing - that's what it's all about. I'm missing out.'"
However, Bradley asserts his choice was correct in omitting himself from selection since he felt "completely drained" by the second day of the match.
"I simply believed I could do both jobs," he said.
A Track Record of Ryder Cup Setbacks
Bradley has experienced defeat in three tournaments as a player and captain. He has yet to open his suitcase from the 2012 defeat at Medinah and also participated with the defeated American team at Gleneagles in 2014.
And, although uncertain if he will get the chance again, he says he will continue to offer his services for upcoming tournaments.
The next Ryder Cup takes place in Ireland from September 17-19 2027.
