Keegan Bradley thankful crowd didn't boo him at U.S. Open: "I would understand if they were upset"

Keegan Bradley says he was grateful for a warm reception on day one of the 2026 U.S. Open. 

Bradley has returned to New York this week to compete in the year’s third men’s major, his first appearance since the United States' home defeat in the Ryder Cup.

Despite a stunning final day fightback from Bradley's Team USA, Luke Donald's dozen held on to secure a dramatic 15-13 win at Bethpage Black in the Big Apple.

The defeat left Bradley crestfallen and the 40-year-old PGA Tour veteran, who has been replaced as the skipper by Jim Furyk, revealed he would likely never get over the defeat. 

He told reporters after signing for a level par opener at Shinnecock Hills that he feels like he owes New York one and is hopeful to give the crowd at the Long Island layout something to cheer about this weekend.

"I never know what to expect," he said. "I would understand if they were upset, but I didn't get any of that. I haven't really at all. I'm really thankful for that.

"I just love playing here. I love playing Long Island. I love New York. I love their fans. It's a real treat to be out here."

Asked if Bradley has finally put the defeat in September behind him, he said: "No, I'll be thinking about that for the rest of my life. I do feel like I owe New York one. 

"Maybe I can give them something to cheer about this weekend."

Bradley's round contained four birdies and four bogeys.. 

"It was tough around here without wind, and then it was blowing pretty hard, really hard," he said. "Tough conditions. 

"The USGA did a great job setting the course up because, if the greens were any faster or firmer, we might not be playing right now. So they did a great job"

He added: "I really played great. What a treat it is to play a round of golf like that around here in a U.S. Open in these conditions. Really proud of that round.

"I love playing in this area. Just a really fun day"

Bradley said the greens, which will be syringed throughout the first two days of competition, were softer than he expected. 

"There was a few times where my ball was, like, wiggling, like oscillating a little bit," he said. 

"They did what they had to do to play today. They did a great job. They should be commended for that.

"It's often where we've had instances where it's gone the other way, and they did a good job of that today."

The aforementioned Furyk will lead the United States in the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in County Limerick next September. 

Furyk was appointed to the position after Tiger Woods ruled himself out of the job after being arrested on charges of driving under the influence. 

The decision by the PGA of America to hand Furyk the top job again was controversial, given he was in charge when Team USA were comfortably defeated in Paris eight years ago. 

Furyk, though, has vowed to make amends and, according to Golfweek, has already made his first big move as captain. 

The publication have reported that Furyk has already hired new data experts to boost their chances of winning in hostile territory for the first time since 1993.

Keep checking GolfMagic for regular updates of the 2026 U.S. Open.