Once again, the PGA Tour delivered an incredible amount of drama Sunday at the Travelers Championship. Keegan Bradley pulled off a miraculous, comeback victory to defeat Tommy Fleetwood and Russell Henley by one stroke.
He did so in a wildly dramatic way, birdieing the 72nd hole while Fleetwood three-putted for bogey. To no one’s surprise, the trolls were out in full force after watching Fleetwood crumble.
After sinking the walk-off putt, Bradley chest bumped his caddie as his sons came out to celebrate on the course. After the eight-time PGA Tour winner had a moment to collect himself, he was joined by CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis.
“Absolutely incredible,” Bradley said. “I feel an obligation to play for the people of New England and the northeast and represent them. This is the best way I can do it.
“Of all the shots and all of the putts I have hit, I think I’ll remember that one the most,” referring to the birdie putt on 18.
But it did not take long for her to address the elephant in the Ryder Cup room.
“I know you said you would only be a playing captain if you earned it on points. But have you convinced yourself that you would be an addition to this team now?”
Bradley had the perfect and most patriotic answer.
“Go USA,” the New England native said as he stared into the camera.
With Sunday’s win, Bradley moved up to eighth in the FedEx Cup standings. With regard to the Ryder Cup, the top six-ranked players automatically qualify. But the final six players for Team USA are chosen by the captain, which this year, is Keegan Bradley.
Earlier this week, Bradley addressed the idea of becoming the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. He expressed his desire to play, but also recognized what an awkward position he is in.
The 39-year-old understands the optics if he chooses himself to play. But at some point, players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are going to ask him to do so.
He consistently displays that clutch gene needed at the biennial event. Moreover, Bradley is highly emotional and carries that emotion on his sleeve. Team USA needs more of that.
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