Jack Nicklaus issues Ryder Cup warning to Team USA and Keegan Bradley
Keegan Bradley has seen a number of his Ryder Cup hopefuls find form in recent weeks, but Jack Nicklaus has warned that Luke Donald's European team is stronger than ever
Keegan Bradley has been riding a wave of optimism as Ryder Cup captain, with his top players hitting their stride and new talents making their mark.
However, golf legend Jack Nicklaus cautions that Luke Donald's European squad is more formidable than ever as Team USA aims to reclaim the coveted trophy at Bethpage Black come September.
The PGA Tour season has seen European players shine brightly, led by Rory McIlroy who clinched three major victories including The Masters, alongside impressive showings from Sepp Straka, Ludvig Aberg, and Viktor Hovland.
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Nicklaus acknowledges that playing on home turf at Bethpage will give Bradley's team an edge amid the anticipated fervent crowds. Yet, the esteemed golfer and former Ryder Cup captain suggests that Europe might be at its strongest, defending the championship they secured in Rome two years prior.
"New York crowds are tough," Nicklaus remarked to Sky Sports. "They're even tough for us [Americans]. But the Ryder Cup is a Ryder Cup.
"It's a great competition and the European team is very strong. Stronger probably than it's ever been. But I think the US team is strong also. So we'll see. We'll see what happens. It'll be a very interesting and fun match to watch."
Keegan Bradley has expressed optimism about the recent upswing in performance from American golfers on the PGA Tour, highlighting a series of strong results. With World No.1 Scottie Scheffler showcasing his prowess with wins at the PGA Championship and CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the tide seems to be turning.
Ryder Cup stalwarts Justin Thomas and Brian Harman have found their winning ways again, while potential newcomers Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak, and Russell Henley are making names for themselves this season.
Even LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau is hitting his stride, having contended in majors and clinched victory at LIV Golf Korea, marking his first win of 2025.
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Bradley, who recently gathered potential Ryder Cup team members, shared his satisfaction with the team's prospects, saying: "We had that Ryder Cup dinner the other week, but we're working every day, every week for the guys for Bethpage.
"I think it's important. I know for me as a player, I loved going to these meetings because it started to get real, like this is coming; I really want to get on this team."
Bradley aims to inspire enthusiasm among the players for the upcoming challenge at Bethpage Black and for the leadership of their captains.
Reflecting on his own experiences, he added, "As a player, I was always just so excited to go to stuff like that because it's our dream to be on these teams. Even getting invited to a meeting like that is special because it means you could make the team."
