PHOENIX — It’s been two months already since the U.S. squashed the European squad at the Ryder Cup.
Phil Mickelson, who opened with a 65 at Phoenix Country Club to kick start his Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Thursday, was a vice captain for the winning side, the first time he served in that capacity. It gave him a different perspective on the biennial event.
“I really enjoyed being vice captain of the Ryder Cup team because I was able to experience the Ryder Cup on an inside-the-rope level without having to deal with the pressure of competing, playing, getting things working with a partner, what holes are you going to hit on, working with a new golf ball — all the variables that come into play that add stress. Being accountable to teammates,” he said. “I was able to sit in the room with guys that I really enjoy hanging with: Fred Couples, Davis Love, Zach Johnson, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker.
“We all sat around and talked, talked pairing strategies. It was really fun to see it in that light. I didn’t know what to expect, but I walked away really enjoying the week.”
It seems that there was a bit of fun with the mic and headset each of them wore during the week, with Lefty indicating there were a few things said that were clearly not meant for public consumption.
“It was a closed mic, so it was only like the vice captains. If I knew that it was going to be public—which it isn’t yet—I wouldn’t have said some of the things I did, so I don’t feel comfortable sharing that right now.
“But I was exuberant.”
After 12 straight years making the team as player and now one as vice captain, when will he get his shot to be captain?
“I don’t know, but it was certainly fun to be a part of this one and to see the players. I mean, what a great group of quality young players the United States has right now. They played some great golf and won by the largest margin ever,” Mickelson said.
Team USA dominated the 43rd Ryder Cup like never before, winning 19-9.
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