Ryder Cup 2014: Phil Mickelson blames Tom Watson for defeat in outspoken attack on his leadership
Phil Mickelson said no players were consulted over decisions and compared Watson's leadership to that of 2008 captain Paul Azinger
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.While Paul McGinley and his triumphant Europeans were spraying the champagne, the beaten Americans were in open revolt after a sixth defeat in seven Ryder Cup contests.
In an astonishing outburst in front of the whole United States team, the most senior player, Phil Mickelson, criticised the management style and strategy of his captain Tom Watson, claiming the team should return to the tactics employed by Paul Azinger in 2008, the last time they won.
“There were two things that allow us to play our best I think that Paul Azinger did, and one was he got everybody invested in the process, in who they were going to play with, who the picks were going to be, who was going to be in their pod.
Watson defended his methods and said the players were just not good enough. “He has a difference of opinion. That’s OK,” Watson said of Mickelson. “My management philosophy is different than his. I had a different philosophy as far as being a captain of this team.
“It takes 12 players to win. It’s not pods. It’s 12 players. I did talk to the players, but my vice-captains were very instrumental in making decisions as to whom to pair with. I had a different philosophy than Paul. I decided not to go that way.
“But I did have most of them play in the practice rounds together who played most of the time in the matches. I think that was the proper thing to do. Yes, I did mix and match a little bit from there, but again, you have to go with the evolution of the playing of the match and see who is playing the best.
“The bottom line is they kicked our butts. They were better players this week. We had a chance today. We started off, got almost everything in the red. Then they turned it on us, and that’s what champions are made of.”
McGinley was oblivious to the schism dividing his beaten opponents. “I’m sorry to hear that. But I’m not privy to the American template and how they set up their teams.”
Rory McIlroy, who joked that all this winning might be bad for his health, led the tributes to McGinley. “I played for Paul at the Seve Trophy in 2009. I knew he would be a great Ryder Cup captain. I can’t speak highly enough of the job he did here. From the videos, the imagery in the team room and the people he brought into to speak to us, he left no stone unturned.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments