Keegan Bradley names golfer who will be 'beating heart' of US Ryder Cup team

"I think going to a course like Bethpage Black, the people are really going to be behind a guy like J.J. Spaun," Bradley told reporters ahead of the Travelers Championship. 

"His story is incredible. He's a hard-working guy that's just building and building and building his whole career. 

"To win the US Open at Oakmont, in my eyes, is the pinnacle of major golf. It's as tough as you can get.

"I think he's a guy that people at Bethpage will really resonate with and a guy that on our team is the heartbeat. He's now the US Open champion. 

"That's a heavy burden to bear, but that's also a great thing to have on your team."

Bradley says Ryder Cup is beginning to feel real

Last July, Bradley was named as the surprise choice to succeed Zach Johnson. 

Aged 39, he will be the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 (34). 

There are fewer than 100 days to go now until the dust-up and Bradley feels as though the magnitude of the occasion is beginning to dawn on him.

"The support that I've been getting throughout this year is something that I didn't really expect," he said.  

"Everywhere I go, I'm getting USA chants, people are cheering me on.

"It's been something that I hadn't really expected, to be honest. 

"It's taken me by surprise, and it's just a treat to go out there and play every day as the Ryder Cup captain."

Bradley said it has been a welcome distraction talking to his vice captains and discussing potential pairings. 

"I really have enjoyed every second of this," he added "It hasn't affected me personally on the golf course, I don't think, but I really have enjoyed this so much."

How the teams currently look: