Ryder Cup captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley tout respect, trade jabs at opening ceremony
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Team Europe captain Luke Donald speaks to the crowd during the opening ceremony as Team USA captain Keegan Bradley looks on.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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FARMINGDALE – Captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley voiced respect but took their shots on Sept 24 in Ryder Cup opening ceremony comments.
The ceremony, advanced from Sept 25 due to thunderstorms forecast for the eve of the Sept 26 opening matches at Bethpage Black, had thousands of supporters cheering each team.
Europe captain Donald took the opportunity to stress that unlike US players who are paid to play, European stars play for their legacy alone.
US captain Keegan Bradley, meanwhile, played up one of Europe’s most bitter Ryder Cup moments as a galvanising force for himself and the US team.
Since 1999, each US Ryder Cup player had received US$200,000 (S$258,000) for charities of their choice but that was raised in 2025 to US$500,000, US$300,000 for charity and US$200,000 as a personal stipend to use however they liked.
In contrast, Europe players told Donald they did not want to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup, some seeing that as they loved the competition more than their American counterparts.
“The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us. It’s unlike anything else in our sport,” Donald said. “It’s not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirts and the legacy you leave behind.
“Time and again, we’ve shown that when we come together as one with a shared purpose, we can achieve remarkable things.”
Europe recaptured the Cup in Rome in 2023 and hope to win this week for only the fifth time on US soil.
“Two years ago, we wrote a chapter in Rome. This week in New York, we aim to write history,” Donald added.
“We are fuelled by something money cannot buy: Purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honour those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come.”
Bradley cited US pride and legacy, saying, “The Ryder Cup doesn’t just test skill. It reveals souls.”
He thanked Europe players for “passion (that) elevates this competition” and pal Donald for “quiet strength and undeniable class”.
But he also recalled the 1999 “Battle of Brookline” moment, when Americans celebrated a victory by dancing on a green before Jose Maria Olazabal had a long putt opportunity to deny US the title, which he eventually squandered.
“I’ve never forgotten what it felt like to run onto that green at Brookline, watching a team come together in a way that changed my life,” said Bradley, who was then 13.
“The moment lit a fire in me and this week that same Ryder Cup fire will fuel our team. It will drive us through every match, every moment and every challenge.”
Both captains, meanwhile, said they were bracing themselves for a raucous but respectful crowd.
“We know the atmosphere this weekend will be electric, raucous, and yes, respectful,” Bradley said. “That’s part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special on both sides of the pond.”
Donald tried to make the case his side could win over some support.
“We know what awaits us. Bethpage isn’t exactly shy. This is New York sports country, passionate, loyal and ferociously loud, and rightly so,” he said.
“Fans here respect effort over ego. You show up for those who grind, for those who fight, and for those who rise to the big occasions. We may not be your team, but we will give you something to respect, something to admire, and maybe by the end of this week, something to cheer for.” AFP
