Ryder Cup: Why Keegan Bradley’s reliable vice-captain pick is promising

Team USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has officially made his first decision on his leadership team for next year’s event at Bethpage Black.

On Tuesday morning, the PGA of America announced that Bradley selected Webb Simpson as one of his vice-captains. The New Englander was named the United States team captain on July 8.

This choice is Bradley’s first as captain and seems to be a promising start to a strong team. Bradley and Simpson played on Team USA together in 2014, so they already have a strong relationship foundation.

“Webb is someone who I have long admired and respected as a competitor and friend,” Bradley said in the press release. “He possesses a wealth of team golf experience and knows what it takes to win. Webb will be a valuable member of our leadership team and a trusted resource for me as we prepare for Bethpage Black next September.”

Simpson played on three American Ryder Cups teams — 2012, 2014 and 2018. He has a 4-4-1 overall record and went 2-1-0 in four-ball. The 2025 Cup will be his first as a vice-captain.

“I am honored to be chosen by Keegan to serve as a Vice Captain in 2025,” Simpson said in the press release. “Competing in three Ryder Cups will forever be among my career highlights. I have no doubt that Keegan will be a fantastic captain and a tremendous leader, and could not be more excited to get to work as we seek to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.”

Simpson has seven PGA Tour wins and was the 2012 U.S. Open winner. He is also a three-time Presidents Cup member, helping the Americans win in 2011, 2013 and 2019.

Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America via Getty Images Europe

Why Simpson is a promising choice as Vice Captain

This pick from Bradley is strong. Simpson’s experience as a player in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup will help tremendously.

He may not have leadership experience with team golf, but his spot on the PGA Tour policy board gives him some at delegating. Simpson is in the room for big decisions, which could help at the Ryder Cup.

Not to mention, he is younger, which should help Team USA. At 38, the North Carolina native is still able to connect with many of the players who will be on this squad. I’m not saying that the previous vice captains were not because many of them made great things happen, but Simpson brings a fresh face.

He is also not part of the “boys club” that seemingly took over the Ryder Cup in 2021. Simpson will help Bradley make unbiased choices to put the 12 best American players on the team.

While he is no spring chicken, Simpson is a name people know in the golf world, and it holds respect. Bradley made a great choice, and it looks to be the start of a very interesting Ryder Cup leadership team for Bethpage Black in 2025.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.