Golf legend issues last-minute plea to Keegan Bradley over Ryder Cup decision

Multiple major champion Tom Watson has issued a last-minute plea to Keegan Bradley amid reports the US Ryder Cup captain will pick himself for the forthcoming matches. 

Bradley will name his six wildcards at 4pm BST today - follow GolfMagic for live updates. 

The 39-year-old has already warned his choices will be controversial, hinting that some players who believe they had done enough will be disappointed. 

The Telegraph have reported Bradley has made the decision to pick himself and become the first playing captain in the contest since Arnold Palmer in 1963. 

Several European Ryder Cup legends stated before the British Masters that it would be 'the worst decision a captain has ever made' if he were to pick himself. 

Former captain Watson, now 75, told The Times over the weekend that Bradley simply cannot do both. 

"I could not have been a player-captain and the reason very simply is the scheduling, because the captain has to have his pairings in for the afternoon matches by 11am," he said. 

"The last two morning matches are going on for sure and you want to have the latitude to say this player is not playing well. 

"For instance, in 1993, Paul Azinger got blown out in his first match and I thought, 'I'm going to sit Paul and let him recoup.' 

"I had to make that decision, and if I was playing in a match, what a huge distraction that would have been. You can't do it. You can't be both."

Watson oversaw Team USA's 16½–11½ defeat at Gleneagles. 

His captaincy was not without controversy. His 'old school' leadership and pairings were heavily scrutinised. 

Phil Mickelson later threw Watson under the bus, questioning Watson's decision to depart from the 'pod strategies' introduced by Paul Azinger in 2008. 

Lefty later admitted it was one of the biggest regrets of his career. 

Who will be disappointed?

It seems reasonable to suggest Bradley's wildcard choices are far tougher than his European counterpart Luke Donald. 

Justin Thomas finished outside of the top six but seems certain of selection, especially considering he returned to the winner's circle on the PGA Tour this season.

Collin Morikawa, winner of two majors, has been below par since he blew the chance to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March - yet many believe he is still deserving of selection. 

Patrick Cantlay, too, was also poor in this year's majors but has given Bradley enough reason to select him given his performance at the Tour Championship. 

Cantlay, historically, has played like a man possessed in team competitions for his country. 

Sam Burns is also hard to ignore, whilst Cameron Young - a potential rookie - has been playing tremendous golf for the last few months.

Ben Griffin has had the season of his life, winning twice, and had two top-10 major finishes. 

Bradley will have also considered choosing Maverick McNealy, Brian Harman and Andrew Novak. 

It seems as though Jordan Spieth and LIV Golf recruit Brooks Koepka won't be involved. 

Follow live updates as Keegan Bradley announces his captain's picks at 4pm BST today from the PGA of America's HQ.