Former Rory McIlroy ally criticises U.S. Ryder Cup officials

Rory McIlroy's former agent has hit out at Team USA officials over their "hasty" appointment of Keegan Bradley as Ryder Cup captain.

Chubby Chandler, who was McIlroy's manager when he won the first of his four major titles in 2011, also believes Bradley cannot pick himself to play in next month's contest at Bethpage Black if he remains as captain, although he thinks that may be the plan.

Bradley is not far off the automatic qualifying places for the American team and would be deserving of a captain's pick, but Chandler insists that can only happen if he hands over the reigns - possibly to Tiger Woods. Bradley will announce his six wildcards on 27 August. 

Chandler, who also had major champions Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Darren Clarke in his ISM stable alongside McIlroy, thinks the PGA of America have made a huge mistake in their appointment of Bradley as captain, and that they should have selected someone older.

"It all seemed a bit hasty when they picked Keegan Bradley," Chandler said. "They didn't think Tiger Woods was going to say no, so they suddenly picked a guy that is way too young to be Ryder Cup captain.

"He's probably 10 years too young and certainly didn't consider him playing and he obviously in his head never ever thought he wouldn't play.

"So he's accepted the job, but actually in his head he thinks, I'll make up for the last time, I'll get in, so they've got a terrible problem.

"My guess is they know what's going to happen there and that they know he's gonna pick himself, and they know he's gonna give it over to a vice captain or Tiger Woods or whoever it is. They must have a plan. They can't be that stupid not to have a plan already.

"You can't play. Definitely not. Just too much of everything. Can you imagine him coming down the 12th, trying to decide to leave Jordan Spieth out or something like that? You can't do that. I think then he wants some sort of guarantee that he was going to be captain next time."

Chandler added: "They've handled it terribly, haven't they? It's absolutely bonkers because he's as tough as old boots, you know, Keegan. He's as tough as they come. He's the kind of player and captain you need. He's both. He's a tough guy.

"He could have too many people in his ear. If he's captain without playing, he's not a problem because he'll be able to control that. He'll have that sorted. 

"You might even think Gary Woodland would be a good captain, and he’s come in as the last pick. Maybe that's why he's in? I don't know what they think. But he certainly can't do both, and he certainly will play. If he plays the last six weeks, then he's got to play.

"It'll be fine but it's just a mess, though, isn't it? That's one of the biggest things that Europe have got going for them."

Despite the "mess" in the Team USA ranks, Chandler still feels the home side will start the Ryder Cup as narrow favourites, particularly with a hostile crowd.

"I don't think Team Europe will win, but the USA are not a big favourite," added Chandler. "I think the fact that everybody thinks we've got a great team and we'll win actually puts a lot of pressure on our guys, and it'll be awful. 

"I've been to Bethpage twice and it is awful. The crowds, it's like playing at The Den every week! It's awful."

Chubby Chandler was speaking to Betway.