Keegan Bradley names major champion as fifth Ryder Cup vice-captain

Keegan Bradley has named Gary Woodland as his fifth Ryder Cup vice-captain.

The American has turned to the 2019 US Open champion after appointing Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker as his other assistants.

“I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for Gary and all he has accomplished in this game,” said Bradley.

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“As a major champion and someone who is still competing at a high level, he is well aware of the demands of performing on golf’s biggest stages. He will be a valuable leader for us over the coming months and throughout the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.”

This will be the first time Woodland, 41, has ever represented the US in a Ryder Cup.

He played on the American side at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, scoring 1.5 points in a 16-14 away victory.

Woodland is now back playing regularly on the PGA Tour after taking a four month break in 2023 after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour.

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He is a four-time winner on the American circuit and has close relationships with many of the players likely to tee it up for the Stars and Stripes.

Woodland said: “I am extremely excited and grateful to Keegan for the opportunity to support the U.S. Team at the 2025 Ryder Cup.

“Keegan’s passion for this event is contagious and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

“With just over two months to go until we arrive at Bethpage, I am fully committed to doing everything I can to help Keegan as well as our team of vice captains and players.”

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.