US Ryder Cup captain speaks out on whether Phil Mickelson could return in 2025

Team USA captain Keegan Bradley has shared his verdict on whether Phil Mickelson will be included in his 2025 Ryder Cup plans.

Bradley missed out on the 2023 edition, despite picking up more qualification points than Justin Thomas who was involved in the squad, but it was probably a blessing in disguise for the 38-year-old.

Team Europe took the crown on the final day of action in Rome, with the hosts winning by 16½ points compared to Team USA’s 11½.

It forced Team USA back to the drawing board, given they’d won the last Ryder Cup on home soil by a whopping 10 points.

Bradley’s appointment as captain came as a surprise, not least because Tiger Woods was touted as a potential option, only for the 15-time major winner to snub the opportunity.

It has left Bradley with a major challenge on his hands and one year out from the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York, speculation around his possible picks is already rife.

One name being mooted is Mickelson, who had looked a dead-cert for a future Team USA captain pick before the San Diego-born star swapped the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.

When quizzed on Mickelson’s potential involvement, Keegan remained coy: “To be honest, I haven’t gotten that far. Personally, I don’t think he’s really interested in doing it.

“I owe a lot to Phil and I think he’s done so much for the American side of the Ryder Cup but I’m not so sure he’s looking to come in as a vice-captain.”

No golfer has played in more Ryder Cups than Mickelson, with the six-time major winner having gone head-to-head against Team Europe on 12 occasions.

Bradley experienced Mickelson’s leadership first-hand when the two partnered with each other at the 2012 and 2014 Ryder Cups.

On his time working under the wing of Mickelson, Bradley said: “Early in my career, I really took for granted Phil’s leadership that he gave me.

“I was playing with one of the best players ever to touch a golf club… What Phil did for me was create a relaxed atmosphere, and he told me, ‘Don’t worry about putting it four or five feet by. I’ll make them coming back.’ Little stuff like that helped me.

“He mentored me before the event. Took me to dinner. He talked to me nonstop throughout the year about the pressures and what would come, and I really learned a lot. It hasn’t been until now that I’ve really realised what an incredible thing it was that he did for me.”