Few expected that Keegan Bradley would become the captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team and lead them in the upcoming edition at Bethpage Black. Even his caddie, Scott Vail, didnt anticipate this, and during a conversation on GOLF's Subpar podcast, he shared how he received the news of Bradley's captaincy.
For weeks, names like Tiger Woods dominated headlines as potential candidates for the captaincy. Many considered Bradley to be an unlikely choice, but the PGA of America knew what move they needed to make.
Interestingly, Vail feared for his job, worried that he might be let go by Bradley. He received a message early in the morning asking him to call Keegan. Vail had no idea what news he would receive, and the situation felt quite emotional.
Vail recounted that he immediately picked up the phone and called Bradley, asking if everything was alright. Bradley replied, Youre not gonna believe this, and shared that they wanted him as the Ryder Cup captain. Vail was initially shocked, but then he became emotional and was almost in tears, understanding how much it meant to Bradley, especially after not being part of the team last year.
The emotions were strong at that moment, as Vail felt happiness knowing that Keegan would become the new captain of the U.S. team. Such a role is reserved for the best in the world of golf, and Bradley certainly qualifies as one of them.
Scott Vail: I know how hard he works and I care for him
Interestingly, Vail and Bradley have been partners for eight years, and their strong chemistry and bond are evident; something that is crucial for a golfer. It's clear that the new U.S. team captain has immense trust in his caddie, as Vail remained by his side even during difficult times. Bradley trusted him and looked forward to better days ahead.
Vail acknowledged that Bradley is a great boss and someone he believes is worth fighting for. He immediately offered his support and emphasized that Bradley would play an important role, one he had surely dreamed about. Both were proud of Bradleys achievement.
This caddie admitted that his boss told him to keep quiet about the news for at least two weeks. Vail confirmed he didn't share it with anyone, even though it was difficult given how important the information was. He believes that the Ryder Cup experience will be incredible, as it is considered one of the biggest competitions in golf, featuring only the best from the U.S. and Europe. The upcoming Ryder Cup could bring many surprises and memorable moments. All eyes will be on Bradley, who carries a huge responsibility. While he has the advantage of playing at home, that is no guarantee of victory.
Bradley's caddie mentioned a habit of his that he finds interesting. He explained that sometimes Bradley gets so worked up that he can't sleep. After a sleepless night, he insists on going out for dinner at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, once Tuesday night is over, he prefers to stay in, ordering food through DoorDash or Uber Eats, and doesnt leave his hotel room. Vail humorously pointed out that this behavior is a bit eccentric.
Golf fans might not know that Vail previously collaborated with Steven Hale for a long time, but they parted ways in 2016. After that, Vail served as a caddie for Stenson before starting his current partnership with Bradley, which continues today. Coming from a family involved in the NHL; his father is Eric Vail; he developed a passion for golf, choosing a different path from his father's. Finally, what matters most is that he pursued a career in sports.
