When the PGA of America chose Keegan Bradley as the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain, surprise reverberated through the golf community. No one saw it coming, not even Keegan. For days, the media tried to figure out how the decision was made. Why did they select the youngest American captain in 62 years, one who is still an active top-flight player? For insight into how decisions like this can come about, I take you back 25 years to another captain selection that was stunning and unprecedented.
In early 1999, the U.S. Presidents Cup captaincy was undecided for the 2000 event at Virginia's Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Hale Irwin, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus had led the American teams through the first three competitions, and anticipation for the next captain was running high.
At the time, I was anchoring the CBS golf telecasts with Ken Venturi. I had all the respect, admiration and affection in the world for Ken and knew his legendary broadcasting career was winding down. I was determined to find a way to honor his remarkable life and contributions to golf. Knowing that the captaincy choice was still being considered, a thought came to mind: Why not compose a letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem suggesting he and his team consider Ken for the captain’s role? Call it an educated hunch, but I believed that a strong argument on Ken’s behalf might make him an irresistible choice.
The Letter
CULMINATION: Jim Nantz’s 1999 letter to Tim Finchem and a victorious Venturi at the 2000 Presidents Cup (left) and in 1964 when he won the U.S. Open. Photographs courtesy of Getty Images and PGA Tour Archive.
January 11, 1999
Mr. Tim Finchem
Commissioner, PGA Tour
112 PGA Tour Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach. FL 32082
Dear Commissioner Finchem.
Congratulations on another successful Presidents Cup. I love the event! What an honor it was to host the first two competitions. It was trying for me, this time, to stay back and host the NFL Today and not join my CBS golf colleagues down under.
While watching the event from Melbourne, an idea struck me that I want to share with you. It's regarding your selection for captain of the next United States Presidents Cup Team. I want to nominate Ken Venturi.
I believe that Kenny richly deserves the opportunity and it would be the coronation of a brilliant career. It's a perfect fit for a multitude of reasons. He is 66 years old and plans on working for two more seasons. He has been our lead analyst for 31 years, which is a longevity record for network television. No one has been a spokesman for their sport as long as Ken Venturi. Although, I hope and pray that it is not the case, there is a good chance he will retire at the end of our 2000 golf season—in Akron at the NEC Invitational just weeks prior to the next Presidents Cup. What a way to pay tribute to Kenny
As you know, Kenny has been unbelievably generous to the game, to its players and to charity. To give you an idea of the players' respect for him, March 8th, he is having a one-time fundraiser to build a halfway house named for his beloved Beau. Players who will be there donating their time include Greg Norman. Nick Price, Mark O'Meara and Fred Couples.
He has been a teacher to countless tour players and unlike many of today's "swing gurus." he has never charged any player, pro or amateur for a lesson. He has always requested anonymity in this role and outside his close relationship with John Cook, his mentoring has never been publicized. It's the way he was taught to give back to the game by Byron Nelson. Speaking of Mr. Nelson. he and Kenny have a father-son relationship
If Kenny were captain, he would undoubtedly want Mr. Nelson involved in some capacity.
Obviously, Kenny is a traditionalist. His stories, his depth of knowledge, his regard for history would all be things that could be passed along to his team and add texture to the event. I know you have seen how dynamic a public speaker Kenny is and he would bring that same energy and air of importance to the position. Coincidentally, the competition will be returning to Washington, the site of Kenny's greatest triumph, the 1964 U.S Open.
The idea that a broadcaster could be converted to a captain is not a first. You'll recall that in 1981, Dave Marr led the way for the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. Ken's selection would not be a conflict for NBC, the broadcasters of the 2000 event. You may recall how frequently Johnny Miller made reference to him during the '97 Open at Congressional and the moving feature they produced on Kenny. Miller is a San Francisco product, like Kenny, and Roger Maltbie went to San Jose State on a Ken Venturi scholarship. They have nothing but reverence for the man. Moreover, can you imagine how much publicity his selection would bring if the year 2000 were his farewell from the booth? Every CBS tour stop would write a feature about his career and upcoming captaincy and every time he was on the air it would in effect be a promotion for the Presidents Cup.
Ken Venturi embodies all of the qualities the PGA Tour should be looking for when selecting its next captain. He is a teacher, he is a passionate giver of his time to plavers and charities alike, and above all he is a man of integrity. I get fired up just thinking about him motivating and coaching his team! I am certain he would leave a positive and lasting impression on everyone.
The time is right. The man is right. I hope you see that Ken Venturi would be a meritorious selection. I cannot think of anyone who would be better for the event or better for its players. I would love to have the chance to discuss this with you further. One more thing, Kenny has no knowledge of this letter nor do I want him to. I trust I will see you on the West Coast and hopefully we'll have a chance to visit. Thank you for your time.
Warmest Regards,
Jim Nantz
CBS Sports
Robert Beck
Framing a compelling argument isn’t only about accentuating the positives but about recognizing concerns and addressing them head-on. Was Ken in touch with the players? Was he too old? Would naming CBS’ lead analyst as captain create a conflict with NBC, which was broadcasting the Presidents Cup? I covered those bases and felt good when I dropped the letter in the mail.
Tim issued a thoughtful reply, and I knew I had his ear. Soon I received a call from him informing me that Ken not only was being named captain but that Finchem and his crew believed there could not have been a better choice. It was one of the proudest moments of my career. My first phone call with an elated Ken was a moment I’ll treasure forever. For the record, under Ken’s leadership, the American side won the 2000 Presidents Cup decisively, 21½-10½. It was the largest margin of victory in Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup competition in 33 years.
The Presidents Cup returns Sept. 26-29 to Royal Montreal Golf Club with two captains—Jim Furyk for the United States and Mike Weir for the Internationals—who played in the Venturi matches. Both have handled their careers with the class that embodies Ken Venturi.
Next year the Ryder Cup is set for Bethpage, with Keegan leading the way. Call it another educated hunch, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Keegan’s captaincy is so successful and popular he’ll be asked to preside again.
