Former Masters champion weighs in on Keegan Bradley Ryder Cup conundrum: "I'm all for it"

Former Masters champion Patrick Reed says if he were in Keegan Bradley's shoes then he would play in the 2025 Ryder Cup. 

Bradley has always maintained he would only play in the biennial contest if he qualified for the team on merit. 

But the 39-year-old American admitted he would take a 'hard look' at teeing it up at Bethpage Black following his dramatic victory last week in Connecticut. 

"This definitely opens the door to play," Bradley said. "I don't know if I'm going to do it or not but I certainly have to take a pretty hard look at what's best for the team."

Former PGA Tour pro turned LIV Golf recruit Reed, 34, believes the answer to the Bradley question is simple. 

"Honestly, for me, if I was in his shoes, if I felt like I was playing as the top 12, inside that top 12, then I'd play," Reed told reporters before LIV Golf's stop in Dallas. 

"The thing about being a captain, it's about putting the best team forward no matter who it is, and whoever is in the best form is obviously one of those guys that I'd make sure is on the team. 

"If he continues playing the way he's playing and continues competing on Sundays and having a chance to win, I'm all for it.

"It's all what he feels like is the best for the team, and if that means him playing is best for the team, that's what you have amazing vice captains for is to take over that role if you're out there having a chance to play and have a good chance for the US to bring the Cup home."

Bradley is now ranked ninth in the US Ryder Cup standings. 

Reed not giving up hope

Reed's name used to be synonymous with the USA and Ryder Cup. 

Nicknamed Captain America, the former Masters champion racked up an impressive 7-3-2 record across three appearances (2014, 2016, 2018).

He is not giving up hope, yet, of receiving some good news from Bradley when he decides who will join the six automatic qualifiers. 

But Reed acknowledged that he may have to win The Open at Royal Portrush in order to wear the red, white and blue once again. 

"It's always on your mind," Reed said of his prospects. 

"Anytime I get to represent our country, it means a lot to me. For me personally, I'm always thinking about trying to make every team.

"Obviously being a part of LIV where we don't get points, it's an uphill battle, but really for me it's focused on playing some great golf and having a chance. It's really going to come down to the Open Championship, having a chance to win there. 

"You have a really good showing and play well there, then you just never know.

"It is looking like no matter what it's going to rely on a pick unless I go ahead and win the Open. 

"Really the only way I can focus on the Ryder Cup is that one week, go out and give all I have and have a chance to win."