McIlroy enjoys fruitful Friday, weighs in on US Ryder Cup captaincy debate

Keegan Bradley poised to be player-captain at Bethpage.

Ireland's Rory McIlroy. Pic: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.

Rory McIlroy believes the increasing likelihood of Keegan Bradley playing for and captaining the United States in this year’s Ryder Cup epitomises a difference in approach between the competing teams. Bradley’s recent win on the PGA Tour means he is poised to take on a dual role as the US tries to regain the cup from Europe at Bethpage in September. Advantage Europe?

A year ago at the Scottish Open, McIlroy insisted the concept of a playing captain was a seriously flawed one. After posting a 65 on Friday to fire himself into contention at the tournament’s 2025 edition, McIlroy addressed the same issue with a laugh. “Hopefully it is impossible,” he said of a playing captain.