Keegan Bradley's Historic Ryder Cup Quest and NBC's USGA Deal

Owings Mills, Aug 13 (AP) — Keegan Bradley stands on the brink of making history as a potential playing captain in the Ryder Cup, a feat not achieved since Arnold Palmer led the U.S. team in 1963 at East Lake. Jack Nicklaus was influential in setting the stage for such an occurrence.

The change came after the U.S. outclassed Great Britain & Ireland at East Lake. The PGA of America's executive committee altered the bylaws, removing champions' playing rights due to the extensive captaincy duties. However, in 1982, when Jack Nicklaus was appointed captain for the 1983 matches, the committee discarded the restriction, allowing captains to compete.

As the selection process remains in effect, with captain's picks now integral, Bradley's potential pathway involves triumphing at the BMW Championship to hope for an automatic spot—yet leaving the dilemma of self-selection.

Teammates Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay have shown confidence in Bradley; Cantlay remarked, "If I was captain, I'd pick Keegan," recognizing Bradley's prowess among American players. As captain, Bradley intends to consult assistant captains and automatic qualifiers, aligning his decision-making equally.

Ahead of Bradley's pick announcement post-Tour Championship, players locked into automatic spots are Scottie Scheffler, Schauffele, and J.J. Spaun, joined by Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harris English. Justin Thomas trails closely behind.

USGA signs with NBC — NBC has secured broadcasting rights for the U.S. Open through 2032, offering expanded prime-time coverage. NBC's longstanding relation with USGA underwent a brief stint with Fox Sports from 2015-2020.

NBC will solely host USGA's professional tournaments: the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, and the U.S. Senior Open, while Peacock will stream all related programming. Coverage includes 48 hours for the U.S. Open, inclusive of extended hours when hosted on the West Coast. The U.S. Women's Open will feature 27 broadcast hours (including NBC's weekend slots), and the U.S. Senior Open will have 18 total hours with six on NBC.

Versant, Comcast Corp.'s media spin-off, acquired rights for additional USGA events, including broadcasts on USA Network and Golf Channel.

Rickie Fowler's Rising Path — Rickie Fowler clawed back into the postseason, clinching a top 70 berth in the FedEx Cup. Marking his return with a sixth-place tie at FedEx St. Jude Championship, Fowler rose to No. 48, earning his spot at the BMW Championship, an endeavor reminiscent of early career successes.

"The tough years teach you most," remarks Fowler, reflecting upon his struggles now contrasted by renewed progress. His journey to make it to East Lake necessitates advancing from the top 30, making his participation an uphill task.

As the PGA Tour’s schedule unfolds, March offers events in Singapore and South Africa, amid others leading to notable venues like Shinnecock Hills.

Cantlay Leans on New Coach — British putting expert Phil Kenyon now guides Patrick Cantlay, joining Scottie Scheffler in Kenyon's clientele list. Cantlay's putting statistics have dipped, underscoring the timeliness of Kenyon's intervention.

Stat of the Week — Scottie Scheffler is poised to lead as the No. 1 seed at the Tour Championship, a distinguished record alongside Tiger Woods, the only other player to hold the top rank thrice (2007, 2009, 2013). (AP)

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