Staff USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has formally made his first determination on his management workforce for subsequent yr’s occasion at Bethpage Black.
On Tuesday morning, the PGA of America introduced that Bradley chosen Webb Simpson as one among his vice-captains. The New Englander was named the US workforce captain on July 8.
This alternative is Bradley’s first as captain and appears to be a promising begin to a robust workforce. Bradley and Simpson performed on Staff USA collectively in 2014, so that they have already got a robust relationship basis.
“Webb is somebody who I have lengthy admired and revered as a competitor and buddy,” Bradley mentioned within the press launch. “He possesses a wealth of workforce golf expertise and is aware of what it takes to win. Webb will likely be a precious member of our management workforce and a trusted useful resource for me as we put together for Bethpage Black subsequent September.”
Simpson performed on three American Ryder Cups groups — 2012, 2014 and 2018. He has a 4-4-1 total document and went 2-1-0 in four-ball. The 2025 Cup will likely be his first as a vice-captain.
“I’m honored to be chosen by Keegan to function a Vice Captain in 2025,” Simpson mentioned within the press launch. “Competing in three Ryder Cups will ceaselessly be amongst my profession highlights. I’ve little doubt that Keegan will likely be a improbable captain and an amazing chief, and couldn’t be extra excited to get to work as we search to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.”
Simpson has seven PGA Tour wins and was the 2012 U.S. Open winner. He’s additionally a three-time Presidents Cup member, serving to the Individuals win in 2011, 2013 and 2019.
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Photograph by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America through Getty Photographs Europe
Why Simpson is a promising alternative as Vice Captain
This decide from Bradley is robust. Simpson’s expertise as a participant within the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup will assist tremendously.
He could not have management expertise with workforce golf, however his spot on the PGA Tour coverage board provides him some at delegating. Simpson is within the room for large selections, which might assist on the Ryder Cup.
To not point out, he’s youthful, which ought to assist Staff USA. At 38, the North Carolina native remains to be capable of join with lots of the gamers who will likely be on this squad. I’m not saying that the earlier vice captains weren’t as a result of a lot of them made nice issues occur, however Simpson brings a recent face.
He’s additionally not a part of the “boys membership” that seemingly took over the Ryder Cup in 2021. Simpson will assist Bradley make unbiased selections to place the 12 finest American gamers on the workforce.
Whereas he’s no spring rooster, Simpson is a reputation folks know within the golf world, and it holds respect. Bradley made an amazing alternative, and it seems to be the beginning of a really fascinating Ryder Cup management workforce for Bethpage Black in 2025.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By way of. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You can too observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
