HE'S ON THE RYDE PATH

Open champion backs pal Keegan to play as captain of the US team

- BY JOSHUA LEES

XANDER SCHAUFFELE has become the latest United States Ryder Cup star to put his backing behind captain Keegan Bradley to feature as a player.

Schauffele, who is at the Scottish Open this week ahead of his Open Championship defense next Thursday, was quizzed on the conundrum surrounding Bradley at Bethpage Black in September.

The 39-year-old could become the first Ryder Cup playing captain since 1963, with his win at the Travelers Championship last month moving him up to a careerbest No.7 in the World Golf Ranking.

It is still unclear what Bradley will do in New York, but if his form continues, Schauffele believes his captain has a real chance of making the 12-man team.