‘Difference of Opinion’: Phil Mickelson and Tom Watson Once Had the Most Embarrassing Confrontation

Phil Mickelson is one of the most approachable golfers on the PGA Tour. Other players often appreciate him for his ability to keep it cool in a situation with his playful behavior. Tour Veteran, Tom Watson, however, doesn’t feel the same about the 6-time major champion, at least not after the 2014 Ryder Cup competition.

Team USA lost to Team Europe by a high margin of 11 1/2 to 16 1/2! Notably, it was the third consecutive time the Americans lost in the prestigious team event, and even the thought of it was unbearable for the players. 

While most players kept their silence during the press meet, Mickelson was not shy to share his viewpoint on what caused their fail in 2014. And it was not something the team captain, Tom Watson, had anticipated.

Phil Mickelson prefers Paul Azinger over Tom Watson! 

After a devastating loss in 2006, Team USA, under Paul Azinger’s captaincy, won the Ryder Cup title in 2008. “There were two things that allow us to play our best I think that Paul Azinger did,” Mickelson praised Azinger’s plan of 2008 after they lost in 2014. “And one was he got everybody invested in the process.” 

He further added that Azinger had a game plan for the tournament. “How we were going to go about playing together; golf ball, format, what we were going to do,” he added. “If so-and-so is playing well, if so-and-so is not playing well, we had a real game plan. 

Mickelson further explained that the Presidents Cup captains use Azinger’s idea, and Team USA was doing well there; however, the Ryder Cup captains didn’t follow it anymore. Notably, Mickelson was already upset over his captain as he didn’t pick him for the second-day foursomes and four-balls. 

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Even though Mickelson explained that his intention was not to criticize Watson, the media thought differently. Thus, they asked the team captain about his thoughts on Lefty’s comments. “He has a difference of opinion. That’s okay,” Watson said. “My management philosophy is different than his.” 

Do Watson and Mickelson still have a grudge

After the 2014 Ryder Cup, Watson and Mickelson met at the R&A clubhouse for the Champions Dinner, an Open Championship tradition. Even after having such an embarrassing confrontation at the 2014 Ryder Cup, the older golfer revealed that they had a good relationship. According to Watson, the two shared small talk during the Champions Dinner. 

Notably, Tom Watson has never agreed to Mickelson’s critical comments. He had always said that Team Europe won as they were better than the American players at the time. 

What do you think of Mickelson’s comment about his captain? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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