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Tom Watson takes the blame for bad communication in US loss at Ryder Cup

Associated Press
Published | Updated

US team captain Tom Watson waves to the crowd at the presentation ceremony after Europe won the 2014 Ryder Cup golf tournament at Gleneagles, Scotland, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. Unidentified man at right. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (The Associated Press)

US team captain Tom Watson, left, stands with his team during the trophy presentation after Europe won the 2014 Ryder Cup golf tournament, at Gleneagles, Scotland, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (The Associated Press)

Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson says he's to blame for his lack of communication with his players in a U.S. loss at the Ryder Cup.

Watson also said Saturday he spoke to Phil Mickelson, who indirectly called out the captain in the closing press conference with Watson sitting in the middle of his 12 players. Watson says the conversation ended with both understanding the other's perspectives.

A statement from Watson was issued one day after an ESPN report that quoted unidentified people in the team room that Watson scoffed at a gift from the team, criticized the players for their foursomes record and even denigrated some of the European players.

The Europeans went unbeaten in both foursomes sessions on their way to a five-point win at Gleneagles.