United States team captain Keegan Bradley let his mind wander a bit on Monday. Bethpage Black was empty before the chaos known as the Ryder Cup tournament starts Friday.
Bradley was named Captain America and is currently ranked No. 13 in the world, according to the Official World Golf Rankings. So when it was time for him to make his captain's picks, few would argue if he added his name to the Americans' roster.
He opted not to and wanted to be like his opponent, Luke Donald of Team Europe, who will both participate as non-playing captains.
"I've thought about [playing] every second, but I have also thought about how impossible it would be." Bradley said. "In the back of my mind, I am always thinking, I could have been out there."
The 39-year-old New Englander finished higher in Ryder Cup point standings than three of his captain's selections. He won the Travelers Championship in late June and played some of his best golf of his career over the last two seasons.
He watches his players walking down the fairways and realizes he could be representing his country as a player as well.
“I catch myself every now and then looking down the fairway, seeing the guys walk down the fairway and think how badly I’d like to do that,” Bradley said at a joint press conference with Donald. “[And] how badly I’d want to be in the group with Scottie Scheffler and seeing him play and being his teammate.”
Bradley was also dedicated to serving as captain and knew his role. He knows he has to stay in his own lane.
“I feel like I’ve been called for a bigger cause here, to help our guys get ready to play and play at the highest level,” he said.
It might be difficult for Bradley to hide his feelings all week. He has not permitted himself to think any other way. He knows he has to think like a captain and as a leader,
There will be other days where he will be simply a gifted player. However, it will not be this week or in this tournament.
Captain America will have a drink with Donald when the tournament is over Sunday evening. He wants the drink to taste even sweeter with an American victory over Team Europe this weekend.