Keegan Bradley made a shocking mistake during his Opening Ceremony speech at the Ryder Cup on Wednesday.
Bradley, 39, was giving his speech immediately after European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald had addressed the crowd.
Donald, 47, delivered a particularly ballsy speech if truth be told, twice mentioning how Europe play for the love of the Ryder Cup – and not for prize money.
Bradley’s speech started off well, but then took a turn for the worse.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon,” opened Bradley.
“To say I never expected to be standing here as the Ryder Cup captain is an understatement.
“When I got the call, I was stunned, but more than that, I was honored: Honored to lead this team, honored to represent our country, and honored to share this experience with my friend, Luke Donald.
“As someone who grew up in the game, this moment is surreal. My dad Mark is a proud PGA of America professional. My aunt Pat is an LPGA legend and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. For us, golf is the family business.”
So far, so good Keegan…
Bradley’s speech at the Opening Ceremony
“But the Ryder Cup became personal for me in 1999 at Brookline. I was 13 years old, perched on my dad’s shoulders watching Justin Rose’s miracle putt drop on 17. When the crowd erupted on 18, my dad let me join in on the celebration. That was the moment golf stopped being a game and started being a calling. That day changed my life.”
Sorry, who Keegan?!
Bradley of course meant to say Leonard instead of Rose, who unfortunately missed his first 21 consecutive cuts back in 1999 after having turned pro straight after The Open in 1998.
The American’s mistake drew a stunned silence from the crowd, and hilarious reactions from several European players who glanced over to Rose in bewilderment.
Europe 1up. Keegan Bradley just said Justin Rose instead of Justin Leonard in his speech #RyderCup
— Andy Roberts (@AndyRobertsGolf) September 24, 2025
While we’re on the subject of Brookline, let’s take a look back at that memorable moment when Leonard buried a 50-footer for USA on the 17th during the Sunday Singles in 1999.
It led to complete pandemonium as players and WAGs stormed the green in celebration.
The scene proved a controversial one, especially since Jose Maria Olazabal still had a 20-footer for his own to tie the hole.
A number of people who got on to the green had also trudged over the Spaniard’s line just to compound matters further.
Olazabal missed his putt and it meant Leonard was 1up with one to play, guaranteeing USA the half point required for victory.
USA won 14.5-13.5 at Brookline, and it remains the only Ryder Cup victory of Tiger Woods‘ career – READ HERE
Rose is making his seventh Ryder Cup appearance at Bethpage this week.
The Englishman leaked some information about Donald Trump’s movements at the Ryder Cup on Friday.
Rose anticipates the arrival of the United States President should not prove to be a “continued distraction” during the Friday fourballs at the Ryder Cup.
The Opening Ceremony was brought forward 24 hours from its typical Thursday slot as a result of expected storms in the area.
