“I don’t know how current PGA players feel about Phil”: Golf insider dissects Keegan Bradley’s claim on Phil Mickelson as Ryder Cup Vice-Captain

As it stands, Phil Mickelson won't be joining Keegan Bradley to lead the Americans in the 2025 Ryder Cup. He reportedly doesn't have an interest, but it's also not clear if his role on LIV Golf would interfere. On the Foreplay Pod from Barstool Sports, Luggage Guy Trent and Sam Riggs Bozoian discussed the possibility of Mickelson playing a role.

Bozoinan said:

"I saw with the Ryder Cup, Keegan and Luke Donald did their nice tour, answered questions. Interestingly, I heard they asked about Phil. Keegan was asked about it, and his answer was something to the effect of, 'I don't think Phil is interested in being an assistant captain.' ... How the f**k would Phil not be interested at all?"

Trent added:

"I would love for Phil to be part of this team in some way. The only problem is I don't know how current PGA Tour players feel about about Phil. That's the only that I don't know."

Bozoinan said he doesn't think those players feel "great" about Mickelson. Trent pondered whether or not the grudge those players might have is heavy enough to keep a former USA standout from being welcomed in.

He also added that he believes Mickelson would be interested and that he'd make a great addition as long as the Team USA locker room wasn't upset with his inclusion.

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Keegan Bradley discusses potential Phil Mickelson Ryder Cup role

Keegan Bradley is the captain of the American team for the 2025 Ryder Cup, which means he can effectively set his staff of assistant captains and make personal choices about half of the roster.

Phil Mickelson may not be involved with the Ryder Cup (Imagn)

His personal relationship with Phil Mickelson, which dates back to when they were playing partners for the Presidents Cup many times over, may or may not matter to the decision.

Via Golf.com, he said about Mickelson potentially joining:

“To be honest, I haven’t gotten that far. Personally, I don’t think he’s really interested in doing it. I owe a lot to Phil and I think he’s done so much for the American side of the Ryder Cup, but I’m not so sure he’s looking to come in as a vice-captain.”

Mickelson has played many times for the Americans in both the Presidents and Ryder Cup, but he has not been involved since he left for LIV Golf. Bradley also noted that he'd be taking the 12 best golfers to the event regardless of the tour they play for, so it doesn't seem as if Mickelson's LIV status will impact the decision, either.

In the same press conference, he thanked Phil Mickelson profusely for everything he did in the earlier tournaments, but he didn't say whether or not the golfer would make it onto the roster.