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Ryder Cup: Team USA can’t win under “Mickelson Rules”

By West Valentine

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 28: Phil Mickelson of the United States chats with Bryson DeChambeau of the United States during the afternoon foursome matches of the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on September 28, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 28: Phil Mickelson of the United States chats with Bryson DeChambeau of the United States during the afternoon foursome matches of the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on September 28, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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The Ryder Cup beating that the Europeans laid on Team USA may have been a surprise to some, but it really shouldn’t have been. It’s been brewing for four years and won’t get any better without a serious change in approach.

So here we are again. The Ryder Cup at Le Golf National was a beating. It really wasn’t even close. Fortress Europe still stands – nay, towers – over the erstwhile American invaders.

So how did this happen? I thought after Phil Mickelson’s Millennial-like snit-fit at Gleneagles that everything was fixed. (“That mean old Tom Watson didn’t blow sunshine up our posterior. How dare he challenge us!”)

I look back at that obnoxious and insulting press conference after our last European misadventure and I see a man-child, in full tantrum. I also see the moment the Ryder Cup pivoted to smile on Europe, now and into the foreseeable future.

AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Phil Mickelson (L) of the United States talks with captain Tom Watson on the 6th tee during the Morning Fourballs of the 2014 Ryder Cup on the PGA Centenary course at the Gleneagles Hotel on September 26, 2014 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Phil Mickelson (L) of the United States talks with captain Tom Watson on the 6th tee during the Morning Fourballs of the 2014 Ryder Cup on the PGA Centenary course at the Gleneagles Hotel on September 26, 2014 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The moment Mickelson publicly gave Watson the middle finger was when the inmates took over the asylum. It was the turning point when the U.S Ryder Cup team took a back seat to the personalities who manifestly believe they are now above it.

Sure, the Americans roared back at Hazeltine under Captain Davis Love, but winning at home is expected when you’re the more talented team. Winning on the road, as all sports fans know, is the mark of a great team.

Apparently, Patrick Reed, that black-hatted cowboy who golf fans love to hate, was the only member of Team USA with his head screwed on straight. And good for him for speaking up. He was miffed at Captain Furyk for breaking up what had been a stalwart US duo in Speith/Reed.

"“The issue’s obviously with Jordan not wanting to play with me,” Reed said, adding, “I don’t have any issue with Jordan. When it comes right down to it, I don’t care if I like the person I’m paired with or if the person likes me as long as it works and it sets up the team for success. He and I know how to make each other better. We know how to get the job done.”"

And the reason for the break-up? Depends who you ask, but we all know the truth. Reed is a prickly pear known to agitate opponents and partners alike. Jordan wanted to play with his buddy Justin.

Come on, you and I know that’s what happened. He whined to Furyk and the Captain folded like a cheap suit. Appease the children – until they whine again.

I get it, Justin, everyone prefers to play with their best friend. But this isn’t the Member/Member at Goat Ranch Links. This is the Ryder Cup. See that name on the front of your shirt? It says USA, not Woods, Mickelson, Speith or any other empty pair of golf pants we sent out there.

But this is what we get under the Mickelson Rules. Players run the show. Does anyone doubt that future U.S. Captains will do solely what they believe is best for the team? Hell no! They’ll kowtow to a bunch of spoiled brats who really just want to treat the Ryder Cup as a giant, all-expenses-paid golf junket.

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Professional sports are not a democracy, they’re a meritocracy. Think of a great coach, in any sport, at any time. Did they hold Kumbaya friendship circles with the team? Did they put a smiley face chart over the lockers – like they have in hospitals – so each player can point to the one that reflects their happiness? (“Uh Coach, our middle linebacker is a six today. Maybe we could bake some snickerdoodles after practice? That should get him in a better frame of mind.”)

And here’s the worst part. I hate to say it, but based on everything I’ve seen, it’s the only conclusion I can reach.

The American fans care more about the Ryder Cup than the American players do.

Is there any other reasonable explanation? Honestly, as you sat glued to your couch, cursing each European birdie and punching the air for each American one, did you feel like your team matched your intensity?

Sure there were moments, but overall, who cared more about winning?

It’s not even close, is it?

Next. Ryder Cup: Why Team USA lost, and the lessons they must learn. dark

This past week in France, the European team was everything we wished our team to be; united, passionate and pure. There was a joy in their performance. Their unbridled enthusiasm was equal to the occasion in a way that made me smile when Noren sank the final dagger to close the Ryder Cup.

They wanted it more. They earned the Cup. Good for them.

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