The 2014 Ryder Cup was largely missed or completely disregarded by many Americans, with some pointing to a lack of confidence in upending the Europeans and others too enthralled with MLB, NFL and college football action.
For those that tuned in on Saturday and Sunday, it was less than thrilling and for those that didn’t, you missed very little. As the European team dominated a shell-shocked United States squad, the blame game started and quickly escalated during the post-tourney press conference.
That’s when things got awkward, as Phil Mickelson and Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson traded very direct shots at one another:
Mickelson continued on the topic of team selection by answering a question about the players’ involvement with final selections:
In response to those heavy comments, Watson, who was sitting just a few chairs down, quickly jumped at the opportunity to counter with the following:
I had a different philosophy being a captain of this team. You know, it takes 12 players to win. It’s not pods. It’s 12 players. And I felt, I based my decisions on, yes, I did talk to the players, but my vice captains were very instrumental in making decisions as to whom to pair with. He has a difference of opinion. That’s okay.
While United States golf is anywhere but doomed, this type of tension combined with a blowout Ryder Cup loss and Rory McIlroy’s 2014 dominance, the PGA of America will certainly be re-evaluating a few aspects of their programs and leadership.
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