JJ Spaun to be 'Heartbeat' of Team USA at Ryder Cup, per Keegan Bradley

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
There are still 100 days until the Ryder Cup, but conversations about both teams are becoming more and more frequent. It's no surprise that captains are being asked about it at every opportunity, as happened with Keegan Bradley ahead of the Travelers Championship.
For now, only Scottie Scheffler is a lock to make the American Ryder Cup team. However, Bradley has already practically confirmed another name on the roster: JJ Spaun.
Keegan Bradley of the United States walks off the fifth tee during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 01, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio....
Keegan Bradley of the United States walks off the fifth tee during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 01, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. MoreAlthough the captain didn't say it was a done deal, his words leave little room for doubt:
"I think he [Spaun] is a guy that people at Bethpage will really resonate with and a guy that on our team is the heartbeat," Bradley said.
"He's now the U.S. Open champion. That's a heavy burden to bear, but that's also a great thing to have on your team."
"I'm really proud to have him on this team because it's really difficult to make your first team. To go out there the way he did this year and play in these big events this well is a testament to what a player he is."
Spaun's US Open victory propelled him to third in the rankings to make the American Ryder Cup team. Given the remaining schedule, Spaun has a very high chance of finishing in the top six and directly qualifying for the team.
However, based on Bradley's comments, if Spaun doesn't finish in the top six, it's safe to say that his selection as a free pick is a sure thing.
Keegan Bradley: "I think going to a course like Bethpage Black, the people are really going to be behind a guy like J.J. Spaun." — Underdog Golf (@UnderdogGolf) June 18, 2025
Bradley offered several reasons for his current opinion of JJ Spaun:
"He's played so great this year. I think going to a course like Bethpage Black, the people are really going to be behind a guy like J.J. Spaun."
"His story is incredible. He's a hard working guy that's just building and building and building his whole career."
"To win the U.S. Open at Oakmont, in my eyes, is the pinnacle of major golf. It's as tough as you can get."
Spaun began the 2025 season ranked 115th in the Official World Golf Ranking, but has seen a meteoric rise, thanks primarily to his second-place finish at The Players Championship (losing in a playoff to Rory McIlroy) and his victory at the US Open.
These results are complemented by three other top-10 finishes, including another second place (Cognizant Classic). Such performances have catapulted him to No. 8 in the world.
More Golf: Paige Spiranac's 'Niche' Gets Nod of Approval from Annika Sorenstam

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