Keegan Bradley has named his Ryder Cup vice-captain ahead of the tournament next year with 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson to be one of his assistants
Keegan Bradley has named his vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup but it isn’t the 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.
Appointed two weeks ago to be the man to win back the Ryder Cup, Bradley was announced after Woods had rejected the role and has made his first big call on his right-hand man. The 38-year-old has selected 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson to be his first vice-captain.
Simpson has previously featured in three Ryder Cups as a player but will not have very fond memories of them with him on the losing side in 2012, 2014 and 2018. Simpson, also 38, holds a 4-4-1 record in the competition
“Webb is someone who I have long admired and respected as a competitor and friend,” Bradley said. “He possesses a wealth of team golf experience and knows what it takes to win. Webb will be a valuable member of our leadership team and a trusted resource for me as we prepare for Bethpage Black next September.”
Simpson is a seven-time PGA Tour winner and a three-time Presidents Cup participant. His experience has seen him establish himself as a popular mentor for younger pros. “I am honoured to be chosen by Keegan to serve as a Vice Captain in 2025,” he said. “Competing in three Ryder Cups will forever be among my career highlights.
Webb Simpson has featured in three previous Ryder Cups ( Image: Getty Images)
“I have no doubt that Keegan will be a fantastic captain and a tremendous leader and could not be more excited to get to work as we seek to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.”
Woods was previously approached to captain Team USA in the Ryder Cup but rejected the opportunity. The 48-year-old admitted he didn’t feel he could fulfil the role alongside his off-course work helping the PGA Tour’s negotiations with the LIV Golf-funding Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
Tiger Woods rejected the chance to captain Team USA
“There’s nothing that has been confirmed yet. We’re still working on what that might look like. Also whether or not I have the time to do it. I’m dedicating my so much time to what we’re doing with the PGA Tour, I don’t want to not fulfil the role of the captaincy if I can’t do it,” Woods said.
“What that all entails and representing Team USA and the commitments to the PGA of America, the players, and the fans and as I said, all of Team USA. I need to feel that I can give the amount of time that it deserves.”
Additional vice-captains will be announced at a later date for both teams and there could still be another opportunity for Woods yet. Team Europe captain Luke Donald selected Edoardo Molinari as his first vice-captain in a return appointment from their 2023 triumph.
