Phil Mickelson has had enough of people saying the reason America haven’t performed in recent Ryder Cups is because the layers don’t get along with each other.
When he was asked that same question at his press conference, Mickelson upped the ante and shot back: “Not only are we able to play together, we also don’t litigate against each other and that’s a real plus, I feel, heading into this week.”
The five-time major champion was referring to what’s going on between Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. He was technically incorrect, as the two players haven’t sued each other; McDowell has instead been dragged into McIlroy’s court case against his former management company Horizon.
And Mickelson, who on Friday, will become the only American to have played in 10 Ryder Cups, was hoping that camaraderie among this year’s team members would help them become the first US team in 21 years to win on European soil.
“We really have a great group of guys. I think we have some really high-quality players. Now, obviously the European side does too, and I know they are favoured and I know what great players they are, but we are having a lot of fun together. And hopefully that will bring out our best golf,” he said.
“Certainly we’re here without Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Jason Dufner. And we’re playing a team that has players like McIlroy and Stenson who have played just incredible golf over the years. Certainly we are the underdog.
“But rather than focus on what we don’t have, what we do have is a great group of 12 guys that really enjoys each other’s company, and, like I said, are hopefully bringing our best games to Scotland, because we are going to need it.”
Mickelson’s Ryder Cup record is 14 wins, 18 losses and six halves for a winning percentage of 45, something he would like to improve.
“Absolutely, that’s certainly a goal. It doesn’t take much to improve my winning percentage, I’ll say that,” he added. “But I’ve got a good partner that I’m going to play again with, Keegan. I don’t think I’m letting go of any secrets here.
“If you’ve noticed, we’ve played together these first few rounds and we seem to have a good partnership, and he brings out some of my best golf and I’m very optimistic that I can improve on my record.”
While Europe had Sir Alex Ferguson speaking to them on Tuesday night, the Americans had US Sergeants Josh Olson and Noah Gallo, both amputee victims from Iraq, inspiring them. As both have overcome their injuries to become successful athletes.
Mickelson said: “Well, Josh and Noah gave two of the best speeches that we’ve had. I remember Chip Beck once saying after beating Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo: ‘It’s not what you accomplish in life, it’s what you overcome’.
“These two gentlemen have overcome some of the greatest challenges that any individual could deal with in life. They’re dealing with loss of limbs, they’re dealing with near-death experiences, and they’re overcoming them.
“It makes the challenge of overcoming an incredibly strong European Team seem not as great.”
