Bradley complicating hardest Ryder Cup choice | Golf News

Keegan Bradley could not have written a more difficult week for himself. The American Ryder Cup captain faces what he is described as “the hardest decision of my life” – figuring out whether or not to title himself as one of his captain’s picks – and his stellar efficiency at East Lake has only intensified the dilemma.

Bradley, who might not maintain final authority over the ultimate call, fired a spectacular 63 to surge to 13-under par, positioning himself among the contenders alongside Tour frontrunners Tommy Fleetwood and Patrick Cantlay, both standing at 16-under getting into the concluding spherical.

The second of his comeback could not be more uncomfortable. As captain, Bradley bears accountability for assembling a U.S. squad succesful of recapturing the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, with ten candidates anxiously awaiting news of their staff choice, yet his own stellar exhibiting now compels him to steadiness his twin obligations as commander and participant.

“I want to put the team in the best position to win the Ryder Cup,” Bradley said. “There’s sort of an unknown . . . It’s just a heavy decision. All the picks are tough. Pretty strange thing to pick yourself.”

Bradley has been forthright about the issue of dividing his captaincy duties from his aggressive efficiency. “I caught myself on the range today thinking about something I wanted to tell the team at Bethpage,” he revealed.

“I see a guy at the leaderboard and I remember who we’re thinking of pairing him with… It’s just a different unique experience. One I never expected, that’s for sure.”

Should Bradley choose himself, he would make historical past as the first taking part in captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. The significance of this milestone hasn’t escaped him.

“It’s ridiculous. It doesn’t seem like reality sometimes,” Bradley admitted. “But we’re going to do the best we can to make the right decision, and it’s going to be controversial to certain people either way. I’m prepared for that.

DON’T MISS

“I do know one factor, I’m not Arnold Palmer,” Bradley added. “If I had one factor I want I may call Arnold and speak to him because I feel he’d have some great advice for me.”

Half a dozen players have already secured automatic qualification, leaving Bradley to announce his captain’s picks on Wednesday. Though he has suggested that superstars like Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa are virtual certainties, he remains torn over whether to strengthen the roster by including himself.

Bradley’s campaign supports his candidacy. His triumph at the Travelers Championship and steady elite-level performances have maintained his competitive credentials, though that doesn’t guarantee Ryder Cup selection.

Another round at East Lake might not resolve the dilemma. Bradley’s brilliant form may have actually complicated his “hardest resolution” additional.