Keegan Bradley has opened up about the devastating impact of September's Ryder Cup, revealing one major regret while admitting he will "never get over" the historic defeat.
The 39-year-old American captain made his first public appearance since the crushing loss at a Travelers Championship media day, where he revealed he fears the pain might never end.
"Since Bethpage, this has been one of the toughest times in my life," Bradley confessed.
"There's no part of me that thinks I'll ever get over this.
"You win, it's glory for a lifetime. You lose, it's 'I'm going to have to sit with this for the rest of my life."
Europe delivered a brutal blow to the Americans with a 15-13 triumph in New York, marking their first away victory since the 'Miracle at Medinah' back in 2012.
Bradley's tactics came under fire after Europe stormed to a three-point advantage on day one and stretched their dominance to an overwhelming seven points by Saturday evening - the largest lead heading into singles in modern Ryder Cup history.
The hosts mounted a spirited fightback on Sunday, claiming 8.5 points from 12 singles matches, but the damage was already done.
Bradley acknowledged his team selection and course preparation were among the decisions that faced scrutiny following the defeat.
"You put so much into it, and you have all this planning, and the first two days went as poorly as we could have ever thought," he said.
The 39-year-old had initially considered becoming the first playing-captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, but experienced a "change of heart" earlier this year - a move he regretted during the first practice tee.
"I'll forever wonder and wish that I had a chance to play there.
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The first practice day, I was out on the tee, and I was watching the guys walk down the fairway all together, and I said to myself 'I wish I was playing - that's what it's all about. I'm missing out'," he revealed.
Yet by day two, sheer exhaustion had already taken its toll.
"I was so physically exhausted," Bradley admitted. "Good thing I didn't do it, because it would have been bad. I just didn't think I could do both jobs."
Bradley's relationship with the Ryder Cup remains painfully complex. He's now lost three times - as a player in 2012 and 2014, and as captain this year.
Despite this, he said: "I really would enjoy playing in one more [Ryder Cup]. But I don't know if I'll get the chance.
"This effing event has been so brutal to me. I don't know if I want to play. No, I do. It's such a weird thing to love something so much that just doesn't give you anything."
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