Phil Mickelson has shown his backing for Keegan Bradley as the US get their Ryder Cup campaign started against Europe at Bethpage Black. The 2025 edition is set to be one of the most anticipated events in recent memory.
The tournament will take place at Bethpage Black, a course known for its difficulty and prestige, especially after hosting major events like the 2002 and 2009 US Opens. Over a decade since it was announced as the host, anticipation has only grown.
Keegan Bradley, in contrast to Donald’s choices, have Bryson DeChambeau partnered with Justin Thomas in the opening match. DeChambeau’s length off the tee could be a key factor on a course as demanding as Bethpage Black.
Phil Mickelson sends a message of support to Keegan Bradley ahead of Bethpage Black
The opening match also features Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, with all three LIV players included in the first game of the session.
Mickelson, who holds the record for most Ryder Cup appearances with 12, will no doubt be keeping a close eye on how things unfold.
He posted on X to back Bradley – his former playing partner from 2012 – along with the rest of Team USA.
Rory McIlroy has a chance to eclipse Phil Mickelson’s Ryder Cup points total at this year’s event
Mickelson also holds the record for the most Ryder Cup appearances, having played 45 times between 1995 and 2018. Only Sergio Garcia has managed more, with 47 appearances.
He is Team USA’s all-time leading points scorer against Europe, with 21.5 points under his belt. Only Billy Casper and Arnold Palmer have contributed more since the event’s conception.
| Team USA | Team Europe |
| Bryson DeChambeau/Justin Thomas | Jon Rahm/Tyrrell Hatton |
| Scottie Scheffler/Russell Henley | Ludvig Aberg/Matthew Fitzpatrick |
| Collin Morikawa/Harris English | Rory McIlroy/Tommy Fleetwood |
| Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay | Viktor Hovland/Robert MacIntyre |
And there is a chance that Rory McIlroy will overtake Mickelson in the overall points list this year. The Northern Irishman needs four points to jump above the 55-year-old.
The other matches see Ludvig Aberg pair up with Matthew Fitzpatrick, while Robert MacIntyre will play alongside Viktor Hovland for the first time.
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