While Europe continued their dominance of the Ryder Cup with a stunning victory during Sunday’s finale at Gleneagles, unfortunately the performance of Phil Mickelson at his team’s press conference shortly after the final game left a lot to be desired.

He showed a distinct lack of respect to American Captain Tom Watson by his comments regarding his management style or lack of it. Maybe it was a case of Mickelson throwing the toys out of the pram after his omission from the USA team who played on Saturday. Either way Mickelson’s behaviour fell way short of what you would expect from a player of his stature, views echoed by many leading players in the aftermath of such a performance.

On the other hand Paul McGinley’s captaincy received rave reviews from all his players, who clearly endorsed all his decisions on and off the course. Once again the sense of performing for each other clearly shone through and this close bond along with the buoyant home support was as good as a two or three point head start.

Throughout Sunday, the quality of golf was of the highest calibre, especially Jamie Donaldson’s approach shot to the 15th green resulting in birdie that cemented Europe’s dominance of this great event. Both Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell made a huge contribution during the week, especially their performances in the singles on Sunday. Once again their skill and battling qualities impressed.

One player from the American team who showed determination, skill and character all week was Patrick Reed. The boisterous yank really got the crowd going on Sunday and his performance added to the whole occasion. Like him or loathe him he really added to the occasion and its a pity the rest of this team mates didn’t follow suit.

Overall Mickelson didn’t have the best of weeks on and off the course, he started by having a dig at both Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell in relation to their ongoing court case involving Horizon management. During that outburst he portrayed an image of the Americans being a close unit who would never consider such actions.

Come Sunday evening those comments came back to haunt him, especially when you consider he left Gleneagles in his private jet and not on the team plane, contradicting his initial claims. Can’t think of many other team sports where a leading player decides to make his own way to a major tournament.

In hindsight Tom Watson will surely have reservations about some of his decisions but win or lose the last thing you would expect would be for one of your star players to ridicule you in public, Watson has been an icon for American golf for many years and on this occasion he deserved much better.

For the best prices on all leading brands and golf lesson packages contact Enniskillen Pro Shop on 028 66325250 or check www.thegolfcabin.co.uk Liam McCool PGA Club Professional