While most golf fans already had a good idea of who Keegan Bradley would choose to round out his Ryder Cup team, there were still a couple of unexpected picks in the final list.
The headline, though, was Bradley’s choice to leave himself out of the squad. Despite having played well enough to warrant inclusion, the 39-year-old stepped aside, drawing praise for putting the team first.
He went with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns to complete the USA team.
Thomas was a guaranteed selection for the team. However, the remaining spots sparked considerable discussion among fans and experts. Cantlay, in particular, remains a divisive figure.
Ryan Lavner backs Keegan Bradley’s decision to pick Patrick Cantlay for the Ryder Cup
Cantlay helped his cause with a strong finish at the Tour Championship, tying for second, and he does have a solid record in team events. That made Bradley’s choice much easier.
That showing at East Lake, however, was a standout in an unremarkable season for the 33-year-old, who rarely contended on the PGA Tour and missed the cut in three of four majors.
Many fans were not happy about Cantlay being selected. But speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast, Ryan Lavner backed Bradley’s decision to include him.
He said: “Patrick Cantlay has been one of the best players statistically among the Americans, certainly among the top 20 in the world. His team matchplay record is 15-6-1. And I know he took a long time at the Tour Championship. I know he was shuffling his feet.
“I know he drew the sarcastic ire of Phil Mickelson on X for his antics and how he was potentially slowing down Tommy Fleetwood as they were competing for the FedEx Cup. But again, Patrick Cantlay has gone 15-6-1 in the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup.
“He has never lost in Sunday singles. He was a lightning rod for that American side. He and Max Homa were basically the only two players who performed admirably in Rome in the 2023 Ryder Cup in what became a losing effort for the Americans.
“As much as you might not like the pick right now, as much as Patrick Cantlay’s personality may grate on you, I promise you if you are an American golf fan, you will be cheering for the fact if Patrick Cantlay starts winning points at Bethpage Black.
“He’s one of the best players in the world, he has a great record, just stop it. If you are a US golf fan, you want Patrick Cantlay on that team.”
Patrick Cantlay’s track record in team golf speaks for itself
Cantlay’s results in the Presidents Cup might not carry as much weight, given the US dominance over the years. But his Ryder Cup numbers are harder to dismiss.
He has picked up 5.5 points from eight matches, and Lavner is right to point out that his play on Saturday evening was a rare bright spot for Zach Johnson’s side at Marco Simone.
| Event | Points won | Overall record |
| 2019 Presidents Cup | 3 | 3-2-0 |
| 2021 Ryder Cup | 3.5 | 3-0-1 |
| 2022 Presidents Cup | 3 | 3-1-0 |
| 2023 Ryder Cup | 2 | 2-2-0 |
| 2024 Presidents Cup | 4 | 4-1-0 |
| Total | 15.5 | 15-6-1 |
The Europeans would hate nothing more than to see Cantlay pick up points at Bethpage Black.
And it would not be a shock if he once again plays a big part in helping the US chase down 14.5 points.
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