Presidents Cup finish serves as an elixir for the U.S. team’s “horrible” memories

MEDINAH, Ill. — Keegan Bradley would have celebrated anywhere after the U.S. victory. Even a trophy ceremony in one of the portable toilets would have suited him. Instead, the ceremony took place on the 14th green — because holes were moved up during the week, the 14th hole at Medinah Country Club was effectively the 18th.

That was where Bradley had experienced the painful ending of the U.S. team’s 2012 Ryder Cup campaign. The Americans began the final day with a convincing 10-6 lead, only for the Europeans to win singles match after singles match and produce what became known as the Miracle at Medinah.

The 2026 Presidents Cup offered Bradley a chance at redemption. U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker had been part of the 2012 team, and he chose three former teammates as vice captains: Jim Furyk, Webb Simpson and Bradley. The moment carried extra weight for Bradley, who lost the Ryder Cup as a player in 2012 and 2014, then lost it again last year as captain.

So Sunday’s finish — the U.S. rallying from a 10.5-7.5 deficit to win 17-13 — felt sublime to Bradley.

“Today was a much-needed day for me personally,” Bradley said. “I really care for everybody in this room. Last year was a tough year with what happened at the Ryder Cup, but to be able to come here and experience this day — I told Webb and Brandt on the mic, and Jim, we experienced a really horrible moment on that 14th green in 2012, and today we got to experience one of the happiest moments of my golf career.

“I’m so proud of all the guys. I’m so happy that Brandt gets to be a winning Presidents Cup captain. The thing about this team is they are such incredible people, and it doesn’t matter how many points they’re down, they’re going to fight till the very end. We knew this was going to get close, and I’m just extremely proud of them.”

Furyk was also deeply involved in this year’s Presidents Cup. Next year, he will captain the U.S. team for a second time at the Ryder Cup. After Sunday’s victory, a reporter asked him what lessons he would carry into the months ahead.

Furyk said there were lessons to take — but first, he wanted the Americans to enjoy the victory.

“I’ve seen a lot of lineups; I’ve seen a lot of team rooms. I think you’re always learning,” Furyk said. “I’m always trying to find new ways and new ideas. We had some new people in the room this year. Always sharing ideas, always trying to learn, always trying to be a calming influence.

“I said it all along: first of all, I want these guys to really enjoy what they just did today. Walking into a Sunday three points down, having a lot of pressure, playing like they had nothing to lose, going out there and showing off for these fans, getting them into it, I really want them to enjoy what they did today because it’s pretty darn special.

“We’ve made some good runs on Sunday, but it’s hard to really get them over the hump and actually finish it off, and these guys finished it off like I’ve never seen before. I’m proud of them.

“If you’ve been listening all year and you’ve heard my media all year, it’s really been about, why did you come back? Why did you want to be the Ryder Cup captain? Because I love these guys. I really do.”

Based on reporting by GOLF.com. By Nick Piastowski.