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It transpires the viral moment of Netflix’s latest series on golf may have been as much of a surprise to the main protagonist as those looking on.
The assertion of Keegan Bradley, the US Ryder Cup captain, during Full Swing that his contingent are “gonna go to Bethpage to kick their fucking ass” in September immediately looked like golden material for Europe’s locker room. Shane Lowry, likely to be an important part of the European team, was asked last week whether he was aware of Bradley’s sentiment. “Oh yeah,” said the Irishman. “We have all seen it.”
Bradley was asked to address his tub-thumping approach after a terrific 69 to open the Arnold Palmer Invitational. “I don’t think the Europeans need any more motivation to win the Ryder Cup,” said the US captain. “They’re a special group of players and the Ryder Cup means a lot to them. And when the Ryder Cup year and the Ryder Cup comes along, they really seem to come together and play their best golf. So I think that they’re motivated enough to beat us.”
More intriguing is the fact this content emerged in the first place. Bradley himself seemed taken aback, a matter one assumes he has raised with television producers. The moment in question was filmed as the US won the Presidents Cup last year. “I thought I was in a locker room with my team,” said Bradley. “You know, that’s what happens in a locker room. I meant no disrespect to the Europeans. This was a time that we had just won the Presidents Cup, I was in the locker room and it was my turn to address the team. And I meant no disrespect, I was more speaking to our guys.
“I certainly thought I was in the locker room. But, you know, in the world that we live in I have got to be more aware that there’s always somebody filming. Again, I meant no disrespect, but we were excited. I had just won, I had just won the Presidents Cup that I hadn’t played in 10 years, it was an exciting moment for me.
“I was a little surprised, yeah. But again, I have to know that in this day and age, especially with cell phones, everything’s being recorded. But that’s who I am. That’s me. I’m a pretty excited person. I’m very excited about the Ryder Cup. I think my enthusiasm towards the Ryder Cup showed there. It was meant for our team. Again, no disrespect to the other guys.”
How Bradley’s attitude resonates with Ryder Cup galleries remains to be seen. There are already fears this staging of the event could be dominated by a raucous New York crowd. The US are seeking to reclaim a trophy they lost comprehensively in Rome.
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If he keeps playing like this, Bradley will qualify for his own team. Whether he will be encouraged to play if finishing close to the half-dozen automatic team members is another fascinating element of this Ryder Cup year. “I hope it’s not a tough decision,” Bradley added. “I hope I’m either on the team or it’s not a decision. If I am in the top six, I’ll play. If not, I owe it to the guys to be a captain, although I have some great vice-captains that could help that.” Clear as mud, Keegan.
Scottie Scheffler was typically unfazed by a brutally tough day one in Orlando. The world No 1 signed for a 71. Those to struggle included Cameron Young, who slumped to an 82, and Billy Horschel, who fared just three shots better. Min Woo Lee’s 78 and Viktor Hovland’s 77 further emphasised the scale of grind. A 72 from Ludvig Åberg and 71 delivered by Collin Morikawa were impressive. “I think this is the hardest course we play all year,” said Bradley. The numbers very much backed up his point.
