When Keegan Bradley, the 38‑year‑old incoming 2025 Ryder Cup captain, sank the decisive 1‑up win over Si Woo Kim, the United States clinched its record‑extending 10th consecutive Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada on Sunday, September 29, 2024. The drama unfolded during the final day of the 2024 Presidents Cup, where Team USA entered the singles with an 11‑7 lead and needed just 4.5 points to seal victory. Jim Furyk, the American captain, watched as his side turned a comfortable cushion into an unassailable win, thanks to Bradley’s gritty comeback.
A Fairy‑Tale Finale
Bradley’s final match was a rollercoaster. He missed a 4‑foot par putt on the 17th and an 8‑foot birdie on the 16th—both would have ended the contest early. Yet the International opponent flubbed a 6‑foot birdie putt on the 18th, handing Bradley a 1‑up triumph. \"It’s a fairy tale. It’s a movie almost,\" Bradley said, eyes still wet. The crowd’s roar at the 18th green echoed through the historic clubhouse, a sound Bradley said he’d replay in his mind for years.
Bradley’s Road from Ryder Cup Heartbreak to Presidents Cup Hero
Ten years earlier, at the 2014 Ryder Cup in Gleneagles, Bradley’s missed putt on the 14th handed Europe the winning point. That memory haunted him, turning every team appearance into a personal test. When he earned a captain’s pick after a late‑season win at the BMW Championship in August 2024, the narrative shifted. \"I spent a decade desperately hoping, praying, pleading for another crack at this moment,\" he recalled. That pick—an unexpected nod from Furyk—became the catalyst for his redemption.
During the week‑long event, Bradley posted a 2‑1‑0 record, contributing crucial points on Friday’s foursomes and Saturday’s four‑ball before the climactic singles. In the opening round, he even produced a hole‑in‑one‑like birdie on the par‑3 13th, holing out from off the green—a moment commentators likened to a splash of fireworks on a quiet night.
Key Moments and Performances on the Final Day
- Xander Schauffele defeated Jason Day in the top match, flashing a five‑point swing for the U.S.
- Russell Henley secured a full point, his steady play a reminder of why he’s a Ryder Cup staple.
- Patrick Cantlay posted his fourth win of the tournament, beating Taylor Pendrith 3&1.
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler fell to former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, a rare blemish on an otherwise dominant American day.
- Corey Conners gave the International team its biggest margin, beating Tony Finau 5&3, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.
These performances turned Saturday’s six‑point haul into a decisive cushion. By the time the final singles kicked off, the United States needed just a half‑point to seal the Cup; Bradley’s win provided the extra half they hadn’t yet accounted for.
Implications for the 2025 Ryder Cup
The victory does more than add a trophy to the shelf; it sets the tone for Bradley’s upcoming role as 2025 Ryder Cup captain. He now carries the confidence of having delivered under pressure, a quality that will shape his selection strategy. Rumors already swirl about a possible inclusion of emerging talents like Graham DeLaet and a potential return for veteran Patrick Cantlay. Furyk, who will hand over the reins, praised Bradley’s "player‑first" ethos, noting that the captain‑to‑be has a knack for reading opponents’ nerves.
For Europe, the loss reinforces a growing sense of urgency. The International Team, though competitive, still trails the United States in overall Presidents Cup wins—13 of 15. Analysts suggest the European side may need a deeper commitment to team cohesion if they are to wrest back the trophy at the next Ryder Cup on U.S. soil.
Historical Context of the Presidents Cup
First contested in 1994, the Presidents Cup pits the United States against an International team drawn from the rest of the world (excluding Europe). Early years saw a seesaw battle, but the past decade has been dominated by the Americans, who now boast ten straight wins. The 2024 edition at Royal Montreal marked the venue’s second major team‑golf hosting, joining the club’s storied roster that includes the 2001 Canadian Open.
Bradley’s win adds a personal chapter to that history. From a rookie struggling with the weight of past misses to a captain‑in‑waiting delivering the clincher, his story mirrors the Cup’s evolution—from a fledgling event to a showcase of national pride and individual redemption.
Key Facts
- Date of victory: September 29, 2024.
- Venue: Royal Montreal Golf Club, Montreal, Canada.
- Final score: United States 13½ – International 10½.
- Bradley’s final‑day record: 2‑0‑0.
- Team USA’s Presidents Cup streak: 10 consecutive titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bradley’s win affect his upcoming role as Ryder Cup captain?
The dramatic finish provides Bradley with firsthand proof that he can thrive under pressure, a trait he’ll likely prioritize when selecting players for the 2025 Ryder Cup. His confidence and recent success are expected to influence a more aggressive, player‑centric leadership style.
What were the decisive moments that led to the United States’ victory?
Saturday’s six‑point surge, highlighted by Schauffele’s win over Day and Henley’s full point, gave the U.S. a comfortable lead. The final singles saw Bradley’s 1‑up win after Si Woo Kim missed a short birdie putt, sealing the Cup.
Why is the Presidents Cup important for international golf?
Unlike the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup includes players from all non‑European nations, showcasing the global depth of talent. Its biennial format lets emerging stars gain elite team‑event experience, influencing rankings and future selections.
Which players stood out for the International Team despite the loss?
Corey Conners delivered a commanding 5&3 win over Tony Finau, the tournament’s largest margin. Si Woo Kim’s overall performance kept the International side in contention until the final hole, and Hideki Matsuyama’s upset over Scottie Scheffler was a highlight.
What does the United States’ streak tell us about the future of the Presidents Cup?
A decade of dominance suggests the U.S. will continue to favor depth and experience in selection. However, the International side’s recent improvements hint at a potential shift, especially if they can convert close matches into wins in upcoming editions.
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