(Photo credit score: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
Keegan Bradley was open along with his disappointment in not being named to the United States’ 2023 Ryder Cup group.
The silver lining? The 37-year-old was in a position to return dwelling to spend an prolonged break having fun with household life, a pleasure not usually afforded to an expert golfer.
Bradley completed the Tour Championship tied for ninth within the FedEx Cup standings, effectively inside the highest 50 that may achieve him entry into the coveted $20 million elevated occasions subsequent 12 months. He cannot enhance on that rating through the FedEx fall schedule, however he is in Japan this week to defend his ZOZO Championship title and knock just a little rust off his recreation.
Bradley, who additionally received the Travelers this 12 months, hasn’t teed it up since tying for ninth on the Tour Championship in August. He returned dwelling to get pleasure from each day actions akin to driving his youngsters to high school, however he stated he additionally has been grinding on the follow vary.
“It’s nice to have a long extended period of time home where I can sort of let my guard down a little bit with my golf and really focus on them and focus on living a normal life and regrouping,” Bradley stated Tuesday. “I have not been in a position to try this in most likely a decade. It’s been actually, very nice.
“But I was eager to get back up out and play.”
Whether his return would have been to get on a aircraft to Japan with out a title to defend Bradley did not say, however he all the time has loved this week’s occasion. That consists of tying for seventh two years in the past when he closed with a 65 on the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club. He returned final 12 months to shoot 4 rounds within the 60s and maintain off Rickie Fowler and Andrew Putnam by a shot.
“This tournament, coming back here, brings back a lot of great memories,” he stated. “I actually, actually love taking part in within the nation of Japan. I like the followers, I like the little cities that we have been in a position to discover. They’re so clear and the meals is so nice.
“Being able to come over here as an American and win this tournament is a big deal. I really look forward to coming to Japan. It’s been one of my favorite places to play.”
–Field Level Media