The New Year has brought changes across the golfing world, with some players opting for new equipment, caddies, or swing coaches. Viktor Hovland, for example, has embraced a new swing coach. For Keegan Bradley, however, the change is personal—he has debuted a mustache. As the 2025 Ryder Cup captain for Team USA, Bradley’s new look has already sparked conversations, with fans urging him to maintain the style through the tournament.
Dan Rapaport of Skratch is a vocal supporter of Bradley’s new mustache. He enthusiastically tweeted, “I am absolutely, positively, 1000% behind the U.S. Ryder Cup captain having a mustache.” This is a first for Bradley, whose prior ventures into facial hair never extended beyond a five o’clock shadow. While some fans have rallied behind his bold new look, others remain critical of the PGA of America’s decision to name Bradley as captain.
I am absolutely, positively, 1000% behind the U.S. Ryder Cup captain having a mustache. pic.twitter.com/DYnkLsUbzn
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) January 3, 2025
Bradley’s appointment as the youngest U.S. Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963 has been met with mixed reactions. The PGA of America’s move to offer each squad member $500,000 has also caused controversy, breaking the tradition of playing the Ryder Cup solely for national pride. Fans criticized Bradley and other prominent players, like Scottie Scheffler, for not opposing this change. However, Bradley himself revealed he was surprised by the captaincy offer, stating, “I don’t think I’ll ever be more surprised by anything in my entire life. It took a while for it to sink in.”
The PGA of America’s decision to select Bradley over iconic players like Tiger Woods, Stewart Cink, and Phil Mickelson has fueled further debate. Mickelson, once viewed as a natural choice before joining LIV Golf, has supported Bradley’s appointment, stating, “I was surprised at the pick, and I think it’s a great pick the more I think about it.” Despite Mickelson’s endorsement, some fans remain unconvinced. Critics argue that Mickelson should have been prioritized over Bradley for the captaincy.
While the mustache has garnered mixed reactions, it has also inspired playful suggestions from fans. Some have called for the entire U.S. Ryder Cup team to adopt mustaches in solidarity. Others have drawn comparisons between Bradley and iconic mustached figures like Tom Selleck, though not everyone is fully on board. One fan commented, “Hard to take anyone serious with a stache except Tom Selleck & Sam Elliott.”
Bradley’s decision to grow the mustache remains a mystery, as he hasn’t commented on its inspiration. Whether it becomes a permanent fixture or fades away, the mustache has certainly added flair to the ongoing discussions about his captaincy. As the Ryder Cup approaches, Bradley’s style choice may continue to be a lighthearted yet divisive talking point among golf enthusiasts.