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Ryder Cup Bonus Match: Phil Mickelson vs. Tom Watson

ryder cup 14 logo troFresh off the American defeat at Gleneagles Phil Mickelson has stirred up some serious controversy.

Phil rarely says anything without having a reason and usually will diplomatically answer questions that could cause harm or embarrassment to those Phil wants to shelter. But today Phil the Thrill let loose with a barrage of controversial comments that lambasted Captain Tom Watson’s reign as captain.

In the clip below Phil answers a question as to what allowed the US team to win back in 2008 under Paul Azinger. Phil succinctly stated that Zinger’s Pod system allowed the players to bond and also that there was much communication between the players and the captain.

Immediately this all was taken as a slap at Watson despite Phil’s objection. Watson was then asked to counter and he diplomatically said that he had not read Azinger’s book and elected to not implement any official pod system.

When the press went back to Phil he explained this wasn’t an indictment of Watson but rather an answer to a question. True yes, but Phil knew the forum he had and certainly knew that it would be construed as the severest of critiques.

The press even asked veteran Jim Furyk to chime in but he refused, diplomatically saying Phil was his friend and he respected Watson and they should answer any further questions.

Tim Rosaforte has more on Phil’s and other player’s disenchantment with the ’14 Ryder Cup setup in this clip. 

Here’s a link to more Alex Myer’s piece with some of the text from the most uncomfortable press conference in Ryder Cup history

To be clear, Phil brought this question on himself. Immediately after his singles win he was interviewed on NBC and referenced Azinger’s Pod System and wondered aloud why the US Team hasn’t gone back to that successful formula.

It is obvious that Phil has an agenda here. He wasn’t happy with the benching on Saturday but according to Rosaforte there are more issues that he and other players disliked under Watson’s reign.

Agenda or no agenda the press conference following the trophy presentation isn’t a place to take down your captain and indict the PGA of America. Phil will deny that motive but he is one of the most media wise men in spikes and he knew exactly the controversy his remarks would cause.

It wasn’t Phil’s best moment and I am sure he was frustrated but as if the loss wasn’t bad enough now those eleven teammates and Watson will have to deal with this mess.

Brandel Chamblee takes Phil to task for “corrupting the experience” and says Phil will regret this moment. 

Azinger’s Pod System has merit and my colleague G. Rennie has been screaming for its resurrection from day one but Phil should have spoken his peace at a later date.

I can’t imagine how uncomfortable that team flight home will be.

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