Bradley Still Has 'A Lot To Prove'

He is focused on playing well rather than possibility of picking himself for Ryder Cup

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LOS ANGELES - In what could be a first for a pre-tournament press conference, Keegan Bradley was asked only briefly on Aug. 13 about being defending champion of the BMW Championship and about the course, Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland.

Mostly, he talked about his role as captain of the United States Ryder Cup team, the September event's course, Bethpage Black, and if he would use a captain's pick on the current No. 10 player in the Ryder Cup standings.

That player is Bradley, making for a compelling narrative and much speculation as the FedExCup playoffs continue this week and lead to the Tour Championship.

The top six players in the Ryder Cup points standings after this week's tournament will automatically qualify for the squad that will face Team Europe from Sept. 26 to 28 in Farmingdale, New York. Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun and Xander Schauffele have already locked up three spots.

Justin Thomas at No. 7, Collin Morikawa (8) and Ben Griffin (9) currently have more points than Bradley, who if he does not automatically qualify, could use one of six captain's picks on himself after the Tour Championship.