Keegan Bradley sympathizes with Zach Johnson after getting the Ryder Cup captaincy passed on to him: "I feel terrible"

Keegan Bradley supplanted Zach Johnson as Ryder Cup captain for the United States. It was a rather ironic twist considering Bradley was not selected by Johnson for the 2023 squad despite being within the top 12 in Ryder Cup points. After a resounding defeat, the American changed lanes to Bradley.

It can be humbling to be replaced after just one attempt at something, but that's not what occurred with Johnson. He was the captain once and may not be again. Despite that, he was the one who called Bradley to pass on the role officially.

Per golf reporter Daniel Rapoport, Bradley said:

"I feel terrible for what he's had to go through and I feel so honored that he called."

It was a very different phone call this year. Bradley's call from Johnson last year was to let him know that he wouldn't be making the team as a captain's choice. The PGA Tour star said at the time that it was captured for Full Swing, an emotional moment that fans could watch happen.

This time, it was a different emotional moment, and the fact that Johnson is the one who once again delivered it to Bradley is quite the full-circle moment.

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PGA president addresses Keegan Bradley pick

Reports initially suggested that Tiger Woods was the original choice to replace Zach Johnson, but the legendary golfer turned it down long ago. Instead, the role went to Keegan Bradley.

Keegan Bradley is the new Ryder Cup captain (Imagn)

In fact, PGA of America president John Lindert believes Bradley will make a strong captain. Via ESPN, he said:

"Keegan's past Ryder Cup experience, strong relationships and unwavering passion for this event will prove invaluable as he guides the U.S. team over the next year and a half. We are confident that with Keegan at the helm, the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team will compete at Bethpage with the same confidence and determination that has defined his career."

The USA is looking for a bounce-back effort after it was thumped by Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and the other Europeans last year at Marco Simone.