Multiple sources are saying the same thing about the second-to-last day at the Ryder Cup for the US Team – that it ended with captain Tom Watson ripping the team’s play, mocking a gift it gave him and criticizing the games of several European players.
If true, the uncomfortable outburst, which took place at a meeting designed to rally the squad together entering the final day of competition, is the likely source of Phil Mickelson’s direct criticism of Watson’s managerial style after the Cup’s final round.
“You could have heard a pin drop in that room,” a source told ESPN.com of Watson’s outburst. “He was pissed. It all went from there.”
The meeting was held in a hotel ballroom at the Gleneagles Hotel featuring Watson, his assistant coaches, all 12 players and their wives or girlfriends, as well as their caddies and their wives or girlfriends. Also there were a few members of the PGA of America staff and hotel employees.
According to all sources quoted, Watson began his speech by telling the team, “You stink at foursomes.” The US Had won just one-half point out of four possible that day in the foursome part of the Cup.
Team member Jim Furyk would later present Watson with a replica of the Ryder Cup trophy signed by all 12 members. According to sources, Watson said the gift meant nothing to him if the players didn’t get the real Ryder Cup on Sunday.
After his assistants spoke, Mickelson is said to have sat in a chair with his back to Watson and talked to the team about the possibility of a comeback, and gave a small story about each player.
The US’ rally fell short on Sunday, and more witnesses claim Watson told several players they should have played better as they came off the green.
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