FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — As someone who is a die-hard Boston sports fan, Keegan Bradley has seen one of the most miraculous comebacks in sports history. The New England Patriots famously rallied from down 28-3 in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons to win in overtime. Bradley was at that game. He knows what it takes to come from behind.
That’s why he’s a firm believer Team USA can do the same thing Sunday at the 2025 Ryder Cup.
“My message was, if you were a 16-year-old kid, and you were going to get to go play for your country in singles in New York at Bethpage Black, you would be so excited,” Bradley said Saturday night. “Of course I want to go out there and make history tomorrow. They all do. But I think you’ve got to relish in the opportunity to get out on the course tomorrow and play for your country at a course like this, at a venue like this. I think it’s something that you’ve got to look forward to.”
Bradley’s passion for the red, white and blue is one of the reasons he was picked for the captaincy at only 39 years old. His decisions in the role will be scrutinized, but no one can question his passion for Team USA.
The 11½-4½ deficit the Americans face heading into Sunday Singles, the largest in the modern Ryder Cup format (since 1979), begs the question whether his players still have the belief their captain does. At least one does.
“Tomorrow anything can happen,” Bryson DeChambeau, who is 1-3 this week, said. “I know it’s quite lopsided, but it would make for a great comeback story.”
The Americans would need 10 points in singles to win the Ryder Cup. The most points ever won by one team in the 12-point singles format is 8½. The chances of a U.S. comeback, according to Data Golf, is 3 percent.
“We feel good,” Bradley said. “The Europeans have played incredible. It’s been really impressive to see. This is, you know, for me, being up close, I think it’s one of the best performances of a road team in any sport. They have played incredible. They have played great. They have putted even better.
“They have come into a hostile environment and played great golf. You know, sometimes as a competitor, as an athlete, you have to take a step back and again sort of tip your cap to something like that. They have been a tough team. They have partnered great. And Luke is an incredible captain. He’s done a great job this week.”
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