Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley committed to Bryson DeChambeau being part of the U.S. roster at Bethpage Black in September.
In a text message to Sports Illustrated, Bradley confirmed there was a spot reserved for DeChambeau regardless of whether he remains in the top six in points to earn an automatic qualifying bid. DeChambeau was fifth in points when The Open Championship ended Sunday.
“Bryson is going to be a very important piece to us winning the Ryder Cup,” SI reported of Bradley’s text message Sunday night. “He brings so much. He brings energy, passion but most importantly, he’s one of the best players on the planet.”
DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open winner and currently No. 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking, was fifth in points heading into the Open at Royal Portrush. After the top six automatic qualifiers are settled, Bradley will select the remaining six players to play on his Ryder Cup roster in Farmingdale, N.Y.
DeChambeau finished tied for 10th at the Open at 9-under. He left Northern Ireland on Sunday thinking about being part of the U.S. team.
“I hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that’s going to be rooting for Team USA,” he said.
DeChambeau, 31, became emotional when asked if he had any communication with Bradley this week.
“I talked with him briefly, and then he put something in our lockers that was pretty inspirational,” he said. “It’s a personal message.”
Bradley wrote individualized messages to players who are in the top 15 on the current points list.
“It meant a lot,” DeChambeau said. “This year’s no joke. We’re tired of it. We’re tired of losing.”
Since 2010, Team Europe has won five of the seven Ryder Cup competitions and is the defending champion.
–Field Level Media
