Keegan Bradley Bio
Keegan Hansen Bradley (born June 7, 1986) is an American professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour. He has won eight tour events, most notably the 2011 PGA Championship. He is one of six golfers to win in his major debut, alongside legends such as Ben Curtis and Francis Ouimet. Bradley was named the 2011 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and has briefly featured in the top ten of the Official World Golf Ranking. He captained Team USA in the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Early Life and Background
Keegan Bradley was born in Woodstock, Vermont, and is the eldest child of Mark Bradley, who was the head professional at the Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club in Wyoming. Growing up, he excelled as an all-state ski racer but chose to pursue golf as a teenager. He lived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, during 2001 and 2002 while his father worked as an assistant pro at Portsmouth Country Club. Bradley later moved to Hopkinton, Massachusetts, where he attended Hopkinton High School and won the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 individual state championship in 2004.
Bradley attended St. John’s University, where he had a successful collegiate golf career, winning nine events before graduating in 2008. His early exposure to golf, combined with his family’s background in the sport, laid the foundation for his future success on the PGA Tour.
Path to Golf
After turning professional in 2008, Keegan Bradley began his career on the NGA Hooters Tour, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning his first event at Southern Dunes in Arizona. He continued to build his resume by winning a second Hooters Tour event in 2009 and making a significant impact on the Nationwide Tour in 2010, where he finished 14th on the money list and earned his PGA Tour card for the following year.
Bradley’s early achievements set the stage for his breakout season in 2011, where he would go on to win his first PGA Tour event and make history in the process.
Keegan Bradley Career
Early Career (2008-2010)
Keegan Bradley turned professional in 2008 and began competing on the NGA Hooters Tour. His first notable victory came at Southern Dunes, followed by another win at the Texas Honing Open in 2009. In 2010, he played on the Nationwide Tour, where he recorded four consecutive top-five finishes late in the season, ultimately earning his PGA Tour card for 2011.
His early years were marked by determination and skill, which would soon lead to a remarkable rookie season on the PGA Tour.
Breakthrough (2011)
Bradley’s breakthrough came in 2011 when he made the cut in his first PGA Tour event, the Sony Open in Hawaii, and finished T-7 at the Bob Hope Classic. He secured his first PGA Tour victory at the HP Byron Nelson Championship, defeating Ryan Palmer in a sudden-death playoff. This victory earned him entry into the prestigious WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, where he showcased his talent by sharing the 36-hole lead.
His crowning achievement that year was winning the 2011 PGA Championship. After a thrilling playoff against Jason Dufner, Bradley became only the third player to win a major championship in his first attempt. This victory catapulted him into the spotlight and solidified his status as a rising star in professional golf.
Notable Works and Milestones
Keegan Bradley’s signature work includes his historic win at the 2011 PGA Championship, where he made headlines for using a long putter. He was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in December 2011, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Keegan Bradley Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Keegan Bradley has received several nominations, including the prestigious PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award, which he won in 2011.
Keegan Bradley Awards Won
Keegan Bradley has won notable awards, including the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2011, recognizing his outstanding performance during his inaugural season on the PGA Tour.
Keegan Bradley Family
Keegan Bradley is married to Jillian Stacey. He comes from a family with a strong golf background, including his aunt, Pat Bradley, a former LPGA player and World Golf Hall of Fame member.
Personal Life
In addition to his golfing career, Keegan Bradley is a fan of various sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, and Boston Bruins. He considers Phil Mickelson a mentor and credits him for helping him win the 2011 PGA Championship. Bradley is also known for his close friendship with fellow golfer Jason Dufner.
