Keegan Bradley Shines as Player to Watch at Sony Open
Keegan Bradley is set to impress at the upcoming Sony Open, marking his first official start since the Ryder Cup. The PGA TOUR season begins anew, presenting Bradley with fresh opportunities to reclaim his competitive edge.
Keegan Bradley’s Recent Performance
Bradley had a notable 2025 season. In his initial 14 appearances, he recorded four top-10 finishes, proving himself a constant contender on the leaderboards. His season highlight came when he secured his eighth career victory at the Travelers Championship, his second triumph at TPC River Highlands.
After a challenging two-month period, Bradley tied for seventh at the TOUR Championship, earning a significant payout of $1.121 million. Despite this success, he rated his season poorly, feeling the emotional weight of the Ryder Cup experience impacted his performance.
The Impact of the Ryder Cup
No golfer is more invested in the Ryder Cup than Bradley. He captained Team USA and felt a deep sense of responsibility when they lost to Europe at Bethpage Black. “You win, it’s glory for a lifetime,” Bradley stated during a media event in October. “You lose, it’s ‘I’m going to have to sit with this for the rest of my life.’” The aftermath of this loss has been challenging for him.
Looking Ahead to the Sony Open
After several months away from competitive play, Bradley recently participated in events like The Skins Game and the Hero World Challenge. Now, as the Sony Open approaches, the atmosphere at Waialae Country Club is charged with anticipation. This venue, known for its traditional layout, demands accuracy and skill.
- Bradley ranked ninth in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green in 2025.
- His history at this course includes a sixth-place tie last season and a playoff loss two years prior.
- He also finished tied for 12th in both 2022 and 2020.
As he gears up for this event, Bradley aims to redeem himself following the Ryder Cup. His primary goal over the next year and a half is to secure a chance to participate in the next Ryder Cup—not just as a captain, but as a player.
Competitive Landscape
This year’s Sony Open features a more competitive field than usual due to The Sentry’s cancellation. Among his challengers are notable golfers such as Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott, J.J. Spaun, and Tony Finau.
Bradley will tee off alongside Spieth and Matsuyama, with their first-round start time set for 5:13 p.m. ET on Thursday. Fans hoping to see a strong performance from him will not be disappointed, as he is eager to showcase his skills once again.
For those following the action in Hawaii, rooting for Bradley could be worthwhile. He is determined to capture a win at this first event of the season, making a strong statement as he embarks on his campaign.
