Bradley’s Ryder Cup speech includes gaffe, tearful anthem moment

Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup opening ceremony speech at Bethpage Black featured a notable gaffe and an emotional moment as the United States captain addressed thousands of home fans ahead of the biennial team competition against Europe.

Bradley, 39, was named captain last year after missing out on a Ryder Cup pick in 2023. On stage near the course's clubhouse, he reflected on the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline and recalled a memory that changed his view of golf. He credited that day with igniting his competitive fire, but he mistakenly identified the Brookline hero, mixing up Justin Rose with Justin Leonard, the American who sank the winning putt in 1999. Rose sat nearby as a European competitor during the ceremony, underscoring how the pressure of the moment can blur details.

The emotional moment continued when the Star-Spangled Banner was performed by Long Island musician Mike DelGuidice. Bradley appeared to choke up as the anthem built to a peak and the crowd sang along. In a nod to his roots, he acknowledged a New York connection: he said he comes from New England but attended St. John's University in Queens and fell in love with New York.

Bradley later spoke about the significance of the captaincy, calling it an honor and saying the weekend will test the team’s resolve. He urged his players to compete with heart and honor through three days of competition as the United States seeks to reclaim the Ryder Cup on home soil at Bethpage Black.