Liguori: Icy American Press Conference Takes Away from European Ryder Cup Win
By Ann Liguori
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The stories written after the European team won the Ryder Cup for the 3rd straight time and the eighth time in ten should be about their top form, dominating the alternate shot sessions on Friday and Saturday, needing only four points in Sunday's singles matches to retain the Ryder Cup and being able to continue their fine play to win. The focus should be on the European team outplaying the American team, showing close kinship, camaraderie and a cohesive spirit in support of their Captain, Paul McGinley.
Emphasis should also be on the shining performances from America's young rookies – Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth. Their impressive play, passion, energy, hunger for winning and fire are ingredients that make for Ryder Cup success, which they had. (Reed won 3 and tied one; Spieth won 2, lost 1 and tied 1)
But unfortunately what transpired in the American team press conference afterwards may dominate the headlines. The drama that should have been displayed on the course with fine shot-making and team spirit, which the American team had plenty of as they battled their mighty European counterparts, unveiled itself louder in the presser afterwards.
It all stems from Captain Tom Watson deciding to sit Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley during both sessions on Saturday. After Mickelson and Bradley beat Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia 1-up on Friday morning, they lost in the Friday afternoon foursomes session against Victor Dubuisson and Graeme McDowell. Watson said he thought Mickelson "looked exhausted" and despite strong urgings from Mickelson who even texted Watson to ask him to play them, Watson stuck to his decision not to play them the entire day. Europe went on to take a 10-6 lead heading into Sunday, again dominating the foursomes, alternate shot session on Saturday.
In the press conference, a reporter asked Phil Mickelson: "Anyone that was on the team at Valhalla, can you put your finger on what worked in 2008 and what hasn't worked since?" Mickelson minced few words in responding. "There were two things that allowed us to play our best I think that Paul Azinger did and one was he got everybody invested in the process…And the other thing that Paul did really well was he had a great game plan for us, you know, how we were going to go about doing this…unfortunately we have strayed from a winning formula in 2008 for the last three Ryder Cups and we need to consider maybe getting back to that formula that helped us play our best."
'Jab' personified! At that point, I looked at Captain Watson and his expression didn't change. He still had the smile on his face that he wore most of the weekend.
The reporter followed up. "That felt like a pretty brutal destruction of the leadership that's gone on this week."
Mickelson, a veteran at handling the media, knew how his words must have sounded and answered: "Oh, I'm sorry you're taking it that way. I'm just talking about what Paul Azinger did to help us play our best. It's certainly – I don't understand why you would take it that way."
When asked if (that leadership) didn't happen this week, Mickelson replied, "Uh (pausing) no. No, nobody here was in any decision. So no."
When asked about Mickelson's comments. Captain Tom Watson replied: "I had a different philosophy as far as being captain of this team. You know, it takes 12 players to win. It's not pods. It's 12 players. Yes, I did talk to the players, but my vice captains were very instrumental in making decisions as to whom to pair with…"
When asked if he felt Phil was being disloyal, Watson replied, "Not at all. He has a difference of opinion. That's okay…My management philosophy is different than his."
Watson's response was golden. He downplayed a controversy that could have further escalated.
On Sunday, the Americans battled, leading in 6 matches in the early going. But Europe's stars delivered. Rory McIlroy showed no mercy against Ricky Fowler, dominating 5&4 and winning Europe's first point of the day. Graeme McDowell was three shots down against Jordan Spieth and rallied to beat him 2&1. Martin Kaymer didn't give Bubba Watson a chance, 4&2. Rookie Jamie Donaldson clinched the victory outright after hitting an incredible approach shot to within a foot of the hole on 15.
For the Americans, Patrick Reed's much welcomed feistiness helped him beat Henrik Stenson with a birdie on the final hole. Mickelson beat Stephen Gallacher 3&1. Matt Kuchar and another Ryder Cup rookie Jimmy Walker won their matches.
The Americans fought. Europe prevailed with great play. But sadly, the decision to sit Mickelson and his response may sum up this year's Ryder Cup for the American audiences who are listening.
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