The biggest surprise at Wednesday's captain's picks announcement wasn't who got selected. No. It was who didn't make the call. Keegan Bradley sat in the media room at the PGA of America’s Frisco HQ. One by one, he announced his picks.

But never uttered his own name.

The U.S. captain opted against becoming the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Was it influenced by Rory’s warning against being a playing captain? Keegan was asked the same question, and his blunt answer will tell you exactly how much it influenced him.

Regardless, Bradley's picks marry experience with fresh blood. Veterans Justin Thomas (7-4-2), Collin Morikawa (4-3-1), and Patrick Cantlay (5-2-1) bring some experience. Whereas, four rookies made it to the 12-man roster:

• J.J. Spaun: U.S. Open champion, 6 top-10s this season.

• Russell Henley: Arnold Palmer winner, T-10 at the last two majors.

• Ben Griffin: Two wins in 2025, jumped from 68th to 17th in OWGR this year.

• Cameron Young: First Tour win, improved SG: Putting from -0.234 to +0.637.

Meanwhile, the automatic qualifiers represent a blend of current dominance (Scottie Scheffler), breakthrough success (J.J. Spaun), major championship pedigree (Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau), and reliability (Russell Henley, Harris English) - creating a well-rounded foundation for Team USA's Ryder Cup campaign.

On the other hand, Bethpage Black favors bombers, explaining Young's selection and connection. He won the 2017 Met PGA New York State Open, tying a then-course record of 64 at Bethpage Black.

This roster has 3 major championships and 13 titles in 2025 alone. But only six players return from that crushing Rome defeat. Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, and Rickie Fowler won't don red, white, and blue. It’s a young captain, and it’s a young army.

First things first, Keegan Bradley, not being a playing captain, is disappointing. But we get why it was a smart move. It put him in a "damned if you do, gutted if you don't" situation, so to speak – play and risk underperforming, or step aside and sacrifice his chance at history. Still, a tough loss (on his part). And that’s not even pointing out this sick irony of Keegan’s situation, which will definitely make you sigh.

Keegan ‘breaking his (own) heart’ is understandable. But Chris Gotterup officially being ruled out of the American team is not. It's not like Gotterup was far down the Ryder Cup standings (20). Cantlay was barely five spots ahead. But check their current form: Gotterup has four top-tens with a victory since July, compared to Cantlay’s only two top-tens.

Not to mention, Gotterup is one of the longest hitters on the circuit, ranking 8th in strokes gained off the tee. The fact that his performance impressed and earned a pat on the back from the player he defeated (Rory) speaks volumes. Just watch the heartwarming sportsmanship moment below:

So, Bradley might have picked experience over form. But Bethpage suited Gotterup more. The case is pretty similar to Maverick McNealy and Andrew Novak. Presumably, Morikawa got the upper hand, but guess what? He has changed his caddies more times — the number is quite shocking as you can see — than he has managed a top-ten this season.

McNealy, on the other hand, has seven top-tens and Novak five. So is this the best possible American team? Not really. The team may leverage their friendship, and right now, we have to hope all 12 are going to fight for their self-sacrificing captain.

Byron Nelson used to say this all too often: You can’t stand too close to the ball. He was right, and that wisdom still solves one of the biggest mistakes amateurs make. Too many players stand too close, guaranteeing a slice. Here is how to correct that:

Keep these factors in mind during your next range session. Once it feels natural, try these Rory McIlroy tips to elevate your game.

Who is Bryson’s most formidable opponent? Europeans? Nope. Right now, it is a red plastic cup. Bryson has to chip a ping pong ball from his living room into a cup upstairs. He gets ten more tries each day. Three days later, guess how many made it to the cup? Yes, zero.

Some have kissed the rim. Most have missed wide. Just watch how day 3 went (hint: Bryson had to admit, “I suck.”) The prize is no small thing either. Sitting behind him is a bright yellow, $325,000 Bentley. One lucky fan will get it—if Bryson ever sinks the shot. Will the car ever leave his living room? We think not.