The significance of the occasion appeared to get too much for Keegan Bradley to handle during the Ryder Cup opening ceremony.
The USA captain addressed the hordes of home fans as he introduced his 12 stars to take on Europe in a very familiar setting.
Bradley, who was named captain last year after agonizingly missing out on a pick for the Ryder Cup in 2023, took to the stage at Bethpage Black – the famous New York golf course located around 20 miles from his alma mater, St. John’s University.
However, it wasn’t an entirely smooth sailing homecoming as, perhaps rattled by nerves, the 39-year-old suffered a humiliating gaffe.
Addressing the importance of the tournament on his life and career, Bradley reminisced about the 1999 edition of the Ryder Cup which took place at Brookline in his native New England.
But, while the USA’s comeback victory made a lasting impact on a young Bradley, the winning putt seemingly didn’t.
Emotions were running high for Keegan Bradley during the Ryder Cup opening ceremony
The USA captain made a major mistake while reminiscing about the 1999 Ryder Cup
‘The Ryder Cup became personal for me in 1999 at Brookline,’ Bradley said. ‘I was 13 years old, perched on my dad’s shoulders watching Justin Rose’ miracle putt drop on 17. When the crowd erupted on 18, my dad let me join in on the celebration. That was the moment golf stopped being a game and started being a calling. That day changed my life.’
The only issue with his fond recollection was the fact that Justin Rose did not, in fact, sink the winning putt in the Battle of Brookline.
Given the fact that Rose had only turned professional a year earlier, the feat would have been remarkable. Furthermore, given the Englishman is currently set to tee it up for Europe come Friday, it would have been impossible.
Bradley confused his European opponent with Justin Leonard, who did in fact hole his lengthy putt in his singles match against Jose Maria Olazabal to win the point and the cup for the USA.
However, given the pressure of the environment and the fact that Rose was sat just a few feet away from where Bradley stood at the podium, the error can be forgiven.
The emotion of the moment further got to Bradley when he was left on the verge of tears by the Star-Spangled Banner.
As local Long Island musician Mike DelGuidice serenaded the crowd with the US national anthem, Bradley could be seen choking up.
‘I come from New England, but I went to St. John’s. That’s where I fell in love with New York,’ a heartfelt Bradley said, acknowledging his close ties to the state and Bethpage Black in particular.
Bradley confused American hero Justin Leonard (left) with Europe’s Justin Rose (right)
‘We’ve come a long way from 166th Street and Utopia Parkway in Queens, haven’t we. The grit, the grind, the rhythm of the city taught me how to compete, how to lead, and what passion for your cause really feels like. There is nothing like New York City.’
Minutes later he further tugged on heartstrings, when he added: ‘Being your captain is an honor of a lifetime. Thank you. We know the atmosphere this weekend will be electric, raucous, and yes, respectful. That’s part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special on both sides of the pond.
‘I’ve never forgotten what it felt like to run on to that green at Brookline, watching a team come together in a way that changed my life. 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.
‘It’s the fire that lives in every boy or girl with an impossible dream, and it’s the fire that makes the Ryder Cup unlike anything else in sports. Over the next three days, we’ll play with heart, play with honor, and we’ll play with every dream sparked by the fire of this competition, because the Ryder Cup doesn’t just test skill; it reveals soul.
‘We are on a quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup! We face a mighty opponent. The challenge will be fierce. The pressure will be real.’
Bradley will now have to prove that he can thrive under pressure and not succumb to any further gaffes when he leads his side in the Battle of Bethpage.
