Zach Johnson makes feelings clear on Keegan Bradley replacing him as Ryder Cup captain. Full Details Below 👇
Zach Johnson makes feelings clear on Keegan Bradley replacing him as Ryder Cup captain
Keegan Bradley was a shock appointment as USA Ryder Cup captain for the 2024 match at Bethpage Black, but predecessor Zach Johnson believes he is the right man for the job
Bradley’s appointment earlier this month was met with widespread surprise from across the golfing world, as Tiger Woods was widely anticipated to have been the pick for New York. However, the 48-year-old declined the role due to his commitments on the PGA Tour’s transaction committee, which is negotiating terms of the proposed merger with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
Bradley himself was taken aback by the news, which was delivered to him over the phone by Johnson, who captained the USA for the 16.5-11.5 defeat at Marco Simone in Rome last year. But the Boston native winner of the 2011 PGA Championship is eager to lead his country and Johnson believes he is the perfect man for the job.
Justin Rose makes ‘special’ declaration after backing up big claim in classy start to The Open
Rory McIlroy learns harsh Open reality after bunker nightmare at Royal Troon
“To say I was honoured to make that phone call would be a massive understatement,” Johnson told The Mirror US Sports. “Number one, he’s a fantastic human being. Number two, he’s passionate about the United States and the Ryder Cup.
“And three, he knows the guys that are going to be playing. He’s very much in the fold as far as competition goes and he can make his own team, which is pretty special.”
Zach Johnson, the 2015 Open champion, is buzzing to be back in Scotland for another crack at the Claret Jug at Royal Troon. He’s dished out some sage advice for first-timers at The Open Championship, declaring his love for the tournament.
Zach Johnson is in action at Royal Troon this week
Zach Johnson is in action at Royal Troon this week ( Image: Stuart Franklin/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
“It’s my favorite golf in the world,” Johnson gushed. “There are a lot of great tournaments but this one is arguably the best. I feel honored and very fortunate that I get to come back and play until whatever age I get to do it because it is the best, the course is amazing, what it requires is amazing and I like what it takes out of me.
“The bottom line for anybody who plays in this event is you’ve got to embrace the elements. We’re talking about it today, I was playing with a young amateur, and you can play here and it’s perfect. There was maybe a half a club of wind, and then 45 minutes later it can be blowing and it’s a four-club difference, and that’s not including precipitation.”
Johnson stressed the importance of mental toughness in the face of the challenges posed by the course. “You’ve got to embrace whatever comes about because you are going to hit some solid shots that don’t turn out well and you have to emotionally manage that. That’s what you have to have.”
