Keegan Bradley must decide within hours whether to name himself among six wildcard selections for the US Ryder Cup team, marking an extraordinary moment in the competition's history.
The 39-year-old American captain will reveal his picks at 4pm today, exactly one month before the 45th edition of the biennial contest begins at Bethpage Black.
Should Bradley include himself, he would become the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer competed whilst leading the team 62 years ago.
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The Connecticut native has acknowledged the unusual nature of his position, calling the prospect of selecting himself "ridiculous" whilst accepting that his decision will prove "controversial" regardless of which path he chooses.
Keegan Bradley is set to announce his Ryder Cup team later today
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Bradley's unexpected appointment as captain has placed him in this awkward position, given his continued competitiveness as a player despite having competed in just two Ryder Cups - both ending in defeat at Medinah in 2012 and Gleneagles in 2014.
The captain has kept his equipment from his 2012 debut sealed, refusing to examine those items until he participates in a victorious campaign.
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His deep commitment to the American team runs through his family heritage, though questions persist about whether his leadership provides the optimal opportunity for the US to reclaim the trophy surrendered to Europe in Rome two years ago.
"It's a really strange thing to kind of ponder," Bradley admitted at the Tour Championship last week.
Bradley's playing credentials have strengthened considerably in recent months, including a June triumph over Tommy Fleetwood at the Travelers Championship.
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Keegan Bradley has faced backlash for considering himself in the Ryder Cup team
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His performance at last week's Tour Championship further bolstered his case, where he secured a share of seventh place with impressive middle rounds of 64 and 63.
Having placed 11th in the qualifying standings, Bradley would merit consideration for a wildcard spot regardless of who held the captaincy.
The captain has maintained throughout the qualification period that no player outside the automatic six positions has guaranteed selection, warning that "there are probably going to be a few guys that think they are going to be on the team that aren't going to be."
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Justin Thomas appears virtually assured of selection after placing seventh in qualifying, having captured two major championships in his career.
Collin Morikawa's candidacy looks less certain despite his eighth-place finish and two major titles, with the 28-year-old Californian struggling for consistency since squandering victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.
Keegan Bradley acknowledged he will be criticised regardless of his choice
| GETTYCameron Young presents a compelling case as a potential debutant, combining powerful driving with intimate knowledge of Bethpage through his course record achievement during a state championship.
Patrick Cantlay's combative Ryder Cup performances should secure his third consecutive appearance despite finishing 15th in qualifying, whilst Sam Burns offers exceptional putting skills and close friendship with world No 1 Scottie Scheffler.