Mickelson vs Watson: Was Phil Right to Be Critical of Watson at the Press Conference?

[newtogolf]

I voted yes.  Tom Watson was a great player but just doesn't have a "modern" management approach.  In today's world it is important to get some "buy in" from subordinates on decisions made affecting their performance.  As to Phil's timing, I would say he picked the time and place where he would be heard by the most people who have an interest in the subject.  Probably cost him his chance to ever be captain but then I would think he knew that and felt the message was important enough to be worth it.

I doubt very much it cost him a chance.

I think it strengthened Phil's position to be a future captain.  By Phil speaking out, he demonstrated he was passionate about winning and was mindful of different strategies that would allow the US to win in the future.  Based on the articles I've read so far, it appears Phil was a much better leader than Watson.

[turtleback]

Wow. Well, assuming that article is actually true (they quote multiple sources, apparently, so I assume with time some will become known) I think I'd have to agree. If that's true, Watson's actions are pretty contemptible and Mickleson probably was actually being restrained last Sunday. Some turn up for the books if that's substantiated.

Yeah, how about that.

I'm guessing that if we had known about this meeting and an account had been in the OP of this thread the poll would be more like 90-10 for Phil instead f the 50-50 it now is.  If this thread goes on much longer it will be interesting to see if/how the poll number change.

[dkolo]

I think it strengthened Phil's position to be a future captain.  By Phil speaking out, he demonstrated he was passionate about winning and was mindful of different strategies that would allow the US to win in the future.  Based on the articles I've read so far, it appears Phil was a much better leader than Watson.

I'm really hoping Phil's inevitable captaincy coincides with the Ryder Cup coming to Bethpage Black in 10 year. That'd be a match made in heaven.

[Vinsk]

Chris Demarco captain Assistants: Phil, Davis Love,Azinger, Couples That's the winning crew.

[Dave2512]

Phil as captain won't happen until his quality of play subsides enough to keep him from making the team. No crystal ball but he is still one of the best players on the planet, probably not something on his immediate radar.

[iacas]

I'm guessing that if we had known about this meeting and an account had been in the OP of this thread the poll would be more like 90-10 for Phil instead f the 50-50 it now is.  If this thread goes on much longer it will be interesting to see if/how the poll number change.

A lot of people will have already voted and thus can't change it.

I could delete the poll and start a new one, but that seems odd/bad.

Phil as captain won't happen until his quality of play subsides enough to keep him from making the team. No crystal ball but he is still one of the best players on the planet, probably not something on his immediate radar.

If it was a one-year cycle, that'd be this year. So since even 2016 is in the future, and 2018 is four years away, it could be as soon as 2018.

[turtleback]

A lot of people will have already voted and thus can't change it.

I could delete the poll and start a new one, but that seems odd/bad.

Nah, it will be enough to see how the new voters affect the totals.  In a day we've gone from almost even to a clear, albeit small,  lead in favor of Phil.

[RandallT]

Nah, it will be enough to see how the new voters affect the totals.  In a day we've gone from almost even to a clear, albeit small,  lead in favor of Phil.

It used to be 45-43 B winning. Since then, it looks like 57-50 A winning. That's a 14-5 run for A vote.

[dsc123]

Apology letter from tom. http://www.golf.com/tour-and-news/tom-watson-apologizes-us-ryder-cup-team-open-letter [QUOTE]OPEN LETTER FROM TOM WATSON, 2014 U.S. RYDER CUP CAPTAIN In response to all of the recent discussion about our Ryder Cup loss, I would like to make a few comments. First, I take complete and full responsibility for my communication, and I regret that my words may have made the players feel that I didn't appreciate their commitment and dedication to winning the Ryder Cup. My intentions throughout my term as Captain were both to inspire and to be honest. Secondly, the guys gave everything. They played their hearts out. I was proud to get to know each and every one of them. I know they are all going to win tournaments, be on future Ryder Cup teams and have wonderful careers. Our team certainly showed guts when it took it to the other team early in Sunday's singles matches. We were indeed tied with them as the scoreboard turned wonderfully "red." Our players started fast as I had asked them to in my comments the night before. I asked them to really concentrate on holes 2-5, as the Europeans had won too many early battles on these particular holes. But in the end, the facts are that the other team played better. My hat's off and congratulations to them. As for Phil's comments, I completely understand his reaction in the moment. Earlier this week I had an open and candid conversation with him and it ended with a better understanding of each other's perspectives. Phil's heart and intentions for our Team's success have always been in the right place. Phil is a great player, has great passion and I admire what he's done for golf. The bottom line is this. I was their Captain. In hindsight whatever mistakes that were made were mine. And I take complete and full responsibility for them. I want to say again to the players, their families, the PGA and our country how proud and honored I was to captain this talented group of golfers, and how privileged I was to spend the past two years working this labor of my love for the Ryder Cup. [/QUOTE]

[newtogolf]

Apology letter from tom.

http://www.golf.com/tour-and-news/tom-watson-apologizes-us-ryder-cup-team-open-letter

Cool letter from Watson.  It doesn't change my opinion of him as Captain of the Ryder Cup team, but I do respect him more for owning his mistakes and clearing Phil in the process.   Looks like you can teach an old guy new tricks.

[cubdog]

Cool letter from Watson.  It doesn't change my opinion of him as Captain of the Ryder Cup team, but I do respect him more for owning his mistakes and clearing Phil in the process.   Looks like you can teach an old guy new tricks.

Do you think Watson would have released his statement if the ESPN report had not come out? I don't. But in light of this report he had to make a statement. It was more to save his own backside than owning up to his miserable captaincy. I don't think he deserves any credit for his remarks.

cubdog

[Valleygolfer]

It used to be 45-43 B winning.

Since then, it looks like 57-50 A winning.

That's a 14-5 run for A vote.

What do we call this? "Miracle of Mickelson"?

[Mr. Desmond]

Cool letter from Watson.  It doesn't change my opinion of him as Captain of the Ryder Cup team, but I do respect him more for owning his mistakes and clearing Phil in the process.   Looks like you can teach an old guy new tricks.

After last week's antics, my guess is that a PGA PR Type wrote it with Tom's reluctant "if I must do this to save my reputation" approval.

Just a guess...

He took a huge hit as the week rolled on... and they kept on coming.

[Valleygolfer]

After last week's antics, my guess is that a PGA PR Type wrote it with Tom's reluctant "if I must do this to save my reputation" approval.

Just a guess...

He took a huge hit as the week rolled on... and they kept on coming.

I guess he was hoping for a "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" type attitude.

[misty_mountainhop]

Quote:

After last week's antics, my guess is that a PGA PR Type wrote it with Tom's reluctant "if I must do this to save my reputation" approval.

Just a guess...

He took a huge hit as the week rolled on... and they kept on coming.

You think that letter reads like a PR wrote it? Seriously? Watson's letter says he and Mickleson spoke over the last week about what went on - that's a PR stunt as well?

[Valleygolfer]

Sounds like Tom went the "hero" or "zero" route.

[iacas]

You think that letter reads like a PR wrote it? Seriously?

Seems reasonable. I doubt Watson typed it without any assistance.

[ghalfaire]

So maybe you (all) are correct and Phil didn't ruin his chances to be captain of one of the future USA Ryder Cup teams.  I certainly don't have a crystal ball so don't know for sure.  But I do know that in most of Corporate American being publicly critical of someone in a position isn't always well received by the folks put that individual in that position and the criticism can even be taken personally. So being openly critical of the performance of the individual in a position you would like to have is not a good way to enhance your chances of being selected by the folks that do the selecting and in fact selected the individual you just criticized.

BTW I hope you are all correct and Phil gets the job someday.  I am a fan of his.