"Keegan can only change the overarching contract with Luke and Ryder Cup Europe's approval," a source told Telegraph Sport. "The contract between the teams includes things like how many vice-captains a team can have, etc. That is used year on year and captains rarely change that. But Keegan went to Luke with this clause and Luke generously agreed."

A recent rule change has further paved the way for Keegan Bradley to be a playing captain for the U.S. squad in the 2025 Ryder Cup.