Mickelson justifies his hype

Veteran PhilMickelson felt under greater pressure at Hazeltine than in any of his previous 10 Ryder Cup appearances.

The left- hander, the United States’ record appearancemaker in the event, had been the most vocal about the need for changeinlight of America’s recent performances as Europe chase an unprecedented fourth victory in a row.

His criticism after the defeat at Gleneagles two years ago led, in part, to the settingupfor theUStask force to look into all aspects of preparation and performance.

Mickelson has acted almost like the team’s unofficial sixth vice-captain in the build- up and when called on to partner Rickie Fowler in the morning foursomes at Hazeltine he was far from his best, but theymanaged to beat Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan one hole. “Certainly I felt more pressure heading into today’s matches,” said Mickelson, who was rested for the afternoon fourballs.

“Given the build-up over the last couple years, the criticism, the comments, what have you, the pressure was certainly as great or greater than I’ve ever felt.

“I could have copped out and asked to sit, but that would have been a totally weak move and Iwanted to get out there.

“Putmeout there. I enjoy that pressure. Certainly I played tight. This guy (Fowler) loosened me up. That’s why Iwanted him as my partner.

“He knows what to say and when to say it. He got some of my best golf out there in the end. Some of the iron shots down the stretch were due to things that he said to getme in the right frame of mind.”

“That would have been a totally weak move”