Despite a dramatic final day comeback attempt, Team USA gave themselves too much to do after Europe established a 5½-2½ lead on the opening day and extended that to 11½-4½ by the end of day two – the biggest lead going into the final day in modern Ryder Cup history.
And although the hosts won 8½ points from the 12 singles matches, it wasn’t enough.
“You put so much into it, and you have all this planning, and the first two days went as poorly as we could have ever thought,” said Bradley.
Bradley had been expected to fulfil a player-captain role but had a “change of heart” earlier this year and opted against playing in New York.
“The first practice day, I was out on the tee, and I was watching the guys walk down the fairway all together, and I said to myself ‘I wish I was playing – that’s what it’s all about. I’m missing out’.'”
But Bradley says he made the right decision in omitting himself from selection because he was “physically exhausted” by the second day of the match.
“I just didn’t think I could do both jobs,” he said.
Bradley has now lost three Ryder Cups as a player and captain. He still hasn’t unpacked his suitcase from the 2012 defeat at Medinah and also was a member of the losing US side at Gleneagles in 2014.
And, despite being unsure if he will get the chance again, he says he will continue to make himself available for future editions.
The next Ryder Cup takes place at Adare Manor in Ireland from September 17-19 2027.
