Watson Admits Mistakes at Ryder Cup


A contrite Tom Watson has taken responsibility for the mistakes he made as captain of the 2014 U.S. Ryder Cup team. The Americans lost to the Europeans for the third straight time in the biennial competition at Gleneagles in Scotland two weeks ago.

In a six-paragraph statement released through the PGA of America, the U.S. organizer of the Ryder Cup, the 65-year-old World Golf Hall of Fame member responded to comments made by four unnamed sources of a team-bonding session.

"First, I take complete and full responsibility for my communication, and I regret that my words may have made the players feel that I didn't appreciate their commitment and dedication to winning the Ryder Cup,'' Watson said in his statement. "My intentions throughout my term as captain were both to inspire and to be honest.

"Secondly, the guys gave everything. They played their hearts out. I was proud to get to know each and every one of them. I know they are all going to win tournaments, be on future Ryder Cup teams and have wonderful careers.''

The players' issues with Watson were voiced by senior U.S. team member Phil Mickelson, who during the post-match press conference on September 28 expressed concern about Watson's remarks the night before Sunday's singles. Besides the team, also in attendance at the session were caddies, spouses, girlfriends, workers and PGA of America officials.

"As for Phil's comments, I completely understand his reaction in the moment,'' Watson said in the statement. "Earlier this week I had an open and candid conversation with him and it ended with a better understanding of each other's perspectives. Phil's heart and intentions for our team's success have always been in the right place. Phil is a great player, has great passion and I admire what he's done for golf.''

Watson received flak from observers and team insiders for some of his questionable decisions about who he tapped to play in the fourball and foursome matches. On Friday, he sat out Mickelson, a veteran of 10 Ryder Cups, for both sessions.

"The bottom line is this: I was their captain,'' Watson said in the statement. "In hindsight, whatever mistakes that were made were mine. And I take complete and full responsibility for them.

"I want to say again to the players, their families, the PGA and our country how proud and honored I was to captain this talented group of golfers, and how privileged I was to spend the past two years working this labor of my love for the Ryder Cup.''