Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau welcome Keegan Bradley’s appointment as US Ryder Cup skipper

Mickelson partnered Bradley to three wins in Chicago in 2012, before Europe stormed back from 10-6 down on Sunday to claim a win that is now known as the Miracle at Medinah, winning eight and tying one of the 12 singles matches.

“I was surprised at the pick, and I think it’s a great pick the more I think about it,” Mickelson said ahead of this week’s LIV Golf Andalucía event at Valderrama.

“He played a lot of golf at Bethpage when he went to St. Johns. His passion for the Ryder Cup is greater than just about any player I’ve ever seen.

“His love for the Ryder Cup is more than anybody I know. I think he’s going to lead with that type of passion.

“I think he’s incredible. I’m really, really happy for him. I think we all are really happy for him, knowing how gut-wrenching it was to not be part of the team last year, but to now have the opportunity to lead and go forward, I think is great.”

US Open champion DeChambeau also welcomed Bradley’s admission that he’d seek the best 12 US players regardless of whether they are playing with the PGA Tour or LIV.

“Yeah, look, I’m excited for him,” said DeChambeau, who was overlooked by Zach Johnson for Rome.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for him, especially as it relates to younger players.

“He’s going to see that younger threshold, and obviously relate to them a lot more, I would say, because of his age. I mean, what he is he, 38 or something like that?

“So yeah, he’s seeing the younger generation game. He’s out there still playing and competing and it’s great to have some relateability.

“As far as picking the best players, that’s the right approach and I couldn’t be more happy for him as captain.”