Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

US Ryder Cup wildcard Keegan Bradley believes the ‘craziness’ of the Ryder Cup means that form counts for nothing heading into the biennial match.

The American made his Ryder Cup debut at Medinah two years ago, winning three of his four matches. Despite his good showing, Bradley was below par in the FedExCup Playoffs leading up to Medinah, finishing over-par in three of the four Playoff events.

“You could win five tournaments in a row going up to the Ryder Cup and have a poor week,” said the world No.23 ahead of the BMW Championship. “ 2012, I didn’t have a good playoff at all, I really struggled.

“I played some of the best golf of my life in that Ryder Cup. So, if you have a bad week this week it doesn’t mean you’re going to have a bad week in the Ryder Cup.”

“The Ryder Cup is so unique and has such energy.” – Keegan Bradley

In that Ryder Cup, Bradley seemed to thrive as tensions heightened. This year the 2011 PGA Champion thinks some players will respond well to the energy of the event, but for others, it will be their undoing.

“The Ryder Cup is so unique and has such energy and craziness about it, that it either brings out a really good side of your golf or it can bring out an ugly side,” said the 28-year-old.

Bradley will hope the American team, which has three rookies, and two players who have never experienced a partisan crowd, handle the pressures of Gleneagles.

Keegan Bradley receives guidance from US legend

Deutsche Bank Championship - Round Two

Having not won an event in two years, Bradley admitted he was fearful for his place. However, the Bostonian revealed two-time Ryder Cup winner Fred Couples kept his spirits up during the qualifying race.

“to miss the team would have been just totally devastating.” – Keegan Bradley

“Fred Couples especially, was very helpful,” said Bradley. “He would text me and after a tournament or after a good round – this is months and months ago – and give me some advice and some emotional support. He knew how bad I wanted to be on the team.

“He helped me a lot. A lot of the guys reached out to me, which means a lot. I made no secret what the Ryder Cup means to me and to miss the team would have been just totally devastating. So, thank God it didn’t happen.”

topics

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship