Donald, who was on the winning side in all four of his Ryder Cup appearances as a player – and as captain in Italy – recalled taking on Bradley at Medinah and added that he will be a “tough” opponent if he does qualify.
The Englishman was paired with Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood in separate foursomes matches in 2012 but was beaten by Bradley and Phil Mickelson on both occasions. All three of those players have since moved to LIV Golf.
And while Westwood and Mickelson’s paths to Bethpage are hindered by form and age as much as their involvement in the Saudi-funded set-up, Garcia is keen to have another crack at the Ryder Cup.
He returned to form in 2024, winning his first LIV event in July and was twice beaten to a title in a play-off.
“We spoke a couple of weeks ago and he feels like he could play again,” said Donald of the 44-year-old Spaniard who is Europe’s record points scorer with 28½.
Garcia, who missed last year’s 16½-11½ victory at Marco Simone, would have to reapply for membership of the DP World Tour, having resigned in May 2023 after an arbitration panel found in favour of the European-based circuit and ratified its right to fine and suspend players who competed in LIV Golf events without permission.
“He understands what is required and it’s great to have that conversation and he’s thinking about that,” Donald added.
Two other LIV players looking to make the Ryder Cup team are Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Both have kept their hopes alive by appealing against against the fines imposed on them by the DP World Tour.
They either had to pay fines or appeal against them to be allowed to play in the DP World Tour events they needed to retain membership of the European-based tour and therefore be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
And when asked if he would like to see those appeals delayed until after the Ryder Cup to avoid any more potential disruption, Donald replied: “It’s nothing to do with me. That’s outside my control and we’ll have to see how that plays out.
“It’s something the DP World Tour are dealing with and they’ll deal with it in the best way possible.”
