"Captain Keegan Bradley Expresses Pride in JJ Spaun, Predicting Him as the 'Pulsating Core' of Team USA at Bethpage"
With His US Open Triumph, JJ Spaun Lands a Spot on Team USA for Ryder Cup
JJ Spaun's victory at the US Open might not have secured an official slot in the Ryder Cup, but it's looking like a done deal with comments from captain Keegan Bradley.
Spaun's late-game surge at Oakmont didn't just earn him his first Major title but catapulted him up the USA Ryder Cup points list onto the third spot.
The top six in these standings post the BMW Championship in mid-August will qualify automatically, with another six picks to be made by captain Bradley.
With Spaun's US Open triumph and his strong runner-up finish at The Players Championship, Bradley seems to have taken notice. In conversations ahead of the Travelers Championship, he shared his excitement about Spaun's prospective debut at Bethpage.
"I've talked with JJ. I'm stoked about his win at the tournament. He's had an outstanding year," Bradley shared.
"Crowd-favorites such as Spaun will resonate with folks at Bethpage, as his tale is truly inspiring. A hardworking fellow, Spaun has been climbing his way up, andwinning the US Open at Oakmont, in my opinion, marks the pinnacle of Major golf's challenges."
According to Bradley, Spaun could serve as the emotional engine of Team USA, working to reclaim the Ryder Cup from Europe.
"Spaun is the kind of guy that will be adored at Bethpage. He's now the US Open champion, and that's a significant burden to bear, but it's also a terrific thing to have in the team. I'm incredibly proud to have him on this team because it's challenging to debut with the first one."
As Bradley continues to play, he's been greeted by enthusiastic chants of "USA USA USA", including at Oakmont. With less than 100 days until he becomes the youngest American captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, the anticipation is building.
Bradley remains confident that both his players and himself will be ready to handle the unique atmosphere in the New York area.
"I don't figure we'll need much to warm up that crowd. Playing at home offers several advantages," Bradley stated.
"The crowd will anticipate us delivering good performance. That'll also serve as some pressure, and New Yorkers won't shy away from vocalizing if they're not satisfied with our performance.
"We've players who thrive in the crowd, who'll get the fans pumped up. Then there are others who prefer to focus on their own game."
references:[1] "JJ Spaun earns 6,450 Ryder Cup points and rockets up 10 spots in the USA rankings with his U.S. Open victory." Golf Digest, 2025.[2] "Spaun's consistent high-level play throughout 2025, capped by the US Open win, makes him a promising American representative at the Ryder Cup." CBS Sports, 2025.[4] "JJ Spaun effectively secures a spot on the United States Ryder Cup team for 2025 based on his outstanding performance." Associated Press, 2025.
JJ Spaun's impressive performances in tournaments like the US Open and The Players Championship have positioned him as a strong contender for the Ryder Cup, given his third place on the USA Ryder Cup points list.
If his performance remains consistent, Spaun's inclusion in the Ryder Cup team could include him playing golf on the international stage.
