Keegan Bradley Reflects on Phil Mickelson’s Mentorship Ahead of Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. — As the Masters approaches, Keegan Bradley is reflecting on the significant impact Phil Mickelson has had on his golf career. The two will tee off together on Thursday at Augusta National, marking a new chapter for Bradley as he embraces the leadership role for Team USA, announced as captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Bradley, now 38, reminisced about his rookie experience at the 2014 Ryder Cup when he was selected by then-captain Tom Watson. Despite Team USA losing 16.5-11.5 to Team Europe, the guidance he received from Mickelson, a seasoned player since 1992, was invaluable. “Really, early in my career, I took for granted Phil’s leadership that he gave me,” said Bradley at a Ryder Cup press conference in October. “I was playing with one of the best players to ever touch a golf club.”

Reflecting on his early days, Bradley stated that Mickelson’s mentorship taught him essential aspects of the game. He noted, “In alternate-shot, he just said, ‘We’re going to play your ball.’ You know, things that I took for granted over the years, knowing who I’m going to play with in every Cup that I play on.”

Bradley emphasized the relaxed atmosphere Mickelson fostered during competitions, contributing to his overall performance. “What Phil did for me is he created a relaxed atmosphere, and he told me, ‘Don’t worry about putting it four or five feet by. I’ll make them coming back.’ Little stuff like that, really, it helped me,” Bradley added.

Even after Mickelson’s transition to LIV Golf in 2022, their bond remains strong. As the first major of the year looms, Bradley is committed to adopting Mickelson’s supportive demeanor towards younger players. “He mentored me before the event. Took me to dinner. Talked to me nonstop throughout the year about the pressures and what’s going to come, and I really learned a lot, and it hasn’t been until now that I’ve really realized what an incredible thing it was that he did for me,” Bradley remarked.

Bradley expressed profound gratitude, noting, “I owe a lot to Phil and I think he’s done so much for the American side of the Ryder Cup.” Both players are set to compete with Australia’s Jason Day at 9:58 a.m. ET in the Masters, contributing to the tournament’s legacy in golf.