Ryder Cup 2018: Why the U.S. lost, and lessons they need to learn

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PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 29: Tiger Woods of the United States tees off during the afternoon foursome matches of the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on September 29, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /

Tiger and Phil were alternate-shot liabilities

Now, this is just my opinion. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson should not ever play alternate shot on a tight course with deep rough. That’s asking to get beat. Probably the same for Bubba Watson unless he’s on that week.

Mickelson – I love Phil – but he hasn’t been able to find the planet consistently for several weeks. Even though Watson won three times this year, his victories weren’t close enough to the Ryder Cup to keep him in form. And, again, his length was negated. It’s like Superman only being able to leap a tall anthill instead of a tall building in a single bound.

Sticking with cold players too long

If a guy hasn’t been playing well and doesn’t show signs of improvement in practice, don’t play him any more than once before Sunday, no matter what. I don’t care what he’s won. For the U.S. that was Patrick Reed and Phil Mickelson. It’s doubtful that Jordan Spieth should have played alternate shot, because he hasn’t been able to hit short grass with any regularity all season, but he seemed to be buoyed by Justin Thomas. It’s hard to argue when they won three of four matches.

Unfortunately, Spieth looked exhausted by Sunday when the US needed every point. Because he’s just still on the end of recovering from mono, he’s not going to have game if he’s tired. That has happened to him before, and the next captain should remember it if Spieth makes the team. He’s good for three partner matches, but not four plus singles.

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