Phil Mickelson has been lambasted by a number of golfing legends for his outspoken criticism of Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson, but the American found support from Europe’s Justin Rose.
Nick Faldo accused Mickelson of “throwing the captain under the bus”, after the 44-year-old questioned why the methods of 2008 captain Paul Azinger were not repeated by Watson.
Colin Montgomerie then added: “You support your captain under all circumstances. In public, you respect and honour your captain.”
But Rose preferred to look at the situation from a player’s point of view and said that he understood where the angst was coming from.
Mickelson was surprisingly left out of Saturday’s two sessions, despite texting Watson to pick him.
“Phil not being played on Saturday, that was surprising to all of us. Especially when Phil was insistent on wanting to play. He had won on Friday and he texted the captain he wanted to play.
“If it’s a rookie, you can say it’s bravado but when it’s a five-time major champion and for the captain to shut him down, it can’t be a great situation,” Rose said.
When asked if Mickelson’s outburst was justified in any way, the Ryder Cup winner saw it only as constructive criticism.
He added: “Mickelson was on the losing team, he thought he could have contributed.
“I don’t know what went on behind the scenes. But he simply feels that they enjoyed the system that they had in 2008 and that they should try it again and it’s a logical suggestion to the next captain.
“Personally, I would have played Phil on Saturday morning and given him some rest so he could be fresh for the singles. To see him sit all day was surprising.”
While there is expected to be considerable turbulence in the American camp, for world No6 Rose, who finished undefeated and was the top points-scorer, it was a near perfect experience.
“It was one of my best performances. It was definitely the best I have putted in a meaningful situation. I was seeing every line, making putts. The game is a lot of fun when you make putts,” he said.
And helping him enjoy the game even more at Gleneagles was captain Paul McGinley.
He added: “The captain put that faith in me. He said I had a big role to play, paired me with Henrik (Stenson) out first in the opening match. You can only go with what the captain feels and for him to put me in that role feels great.
“It comes down to fundamentals and that’s what Paul did well. He knew he inherited a structure and system that worked and he didn’t try to change a lot of things.”
Looking ahead, Rose said there are a number for candidates for the captaincy in 2016, but is leaning towards Darren Clarke, adding: “Darren is still in touch with the tour, has lot of experience, is charismatic and well respected in America. Playing away, I feel he will be a good captain.”
Meanwhile, Rose continued to soar high by demonstrating his skills from the wing of a British Airways Boeing 747.
He was joined by British sporting stars and celebrities Gary Lineker, Jamie Redknapp, Ian Wright and Jodie Kidd, to raise funds for the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation.
Standing on the wing of a British Airways 747, which has a wingspan of 64m and average height of 6.1m above the ground, Rose hit a succession of balls at a target 180 yards away to secure flights for the charity.
“The team played outstanding this weekend and it’s a fantastic feeling to come out of the Ryder Cup as the winning team again, To carry that adrenaline with me on to the wing of the British Airways 747 before flying the aircraft back across the Atlantic was a special thrill,” said Rose speaking in London on behalf of British Airways.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and I am grateful to British Airways for donating flights towards the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation – it will make a huge difference to our campaign.”
