'Really tough decision' - US captain Bradley will not play in Ryder Cup

United States Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has opted not to pick himself as a player for the match against Europe next month.

The 39-year-old kept everyone guessing until Wednesday when he announced the six wildcard picks to complete his 12-strong team to play at Bethpage Black from 26-28 September.

Bradley said at one stage he was ready to take on both roles, before having a rethink.

He said it "broke my heart not to play" but that his "ultimate goal" was to be the best possible captain.

He selected Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantley and Sam Burns to join automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau.

Bradley, who is the youngest US captain since 34-year-old Arnold Palmer was a playing captain in 1963, is ranked 11th in the world and was 11th in the Ryder Cup team rankings.

"This was a really tough decision. There was a point this year where I was playing," said Bradley.

"These guys stepped up in a major way and played their way on to this team. It's something I'm proud of and really wanted."

United States President Donald Trump had backed Bradley to perform the dual role, which would have seen him become the first playing captain since Palmer.

Trump, an avid golf fan and regular player, is planning to attend the Ryder Cup's first day.

Bradley won the Travelers Championship in June, beating England's Tommy Fleetwood by a single shot.

He finished tied for seventh at the Tour Championship on Sunday, cementing his place in the top 12 of the US Ryder Cup rankings.

Half of the European team is known, and captain Luke Donald will reveal his six picks on 1 September.

They will join Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard and Tyrrell Hatton as Europe look to defend the title they regained in Rome in 2023.