Tom Watson issues open letter, apologizes for Ryder Cup loss

Tom Watson had to say something. His reputation has been under fire for the last week, since his American team lost the Ryder Cup for the third consecutive time last Sunday in Scotland.

Watson issued what was deemed an “open letter” by the PGA of America on Saturday, discussing how he handled his dozen players that didn’t get the job done at Gleneagles.

The letter in full reads:

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.

Phil Mickelson subtly criticized Watson immediately after the American loss, suggesting a longing for the leadership style of victorious 2008 captain Paul Azinger. Mickelson later lamented that no player was involved in any playing decision over the course of the week, a dig at Watson for not taking cues from him charges about who should play when, especially over the course of the first two days of the three-day competition.

A report on Friday put Watson in a worse light, citing four sources in reporting Watson’s curmudgeonly actions on the night before the American defeat was secured at Gleneagles. Watson reportedly told his American team they “stink” at foursomes, the alternate-shot format that put the U.S. behind the proverbial 8-ball and unable to rally for a win the next day.

The fallout from the American loss has prompted calls for Azinger to again become American captain, as well more radical changes to the process for selecing a captain and players.

Watson’s well-orchestrated words may have come too late to mean much now, but he had to say something given how the court of public opinion has judged him in the days following the Ryder Cup.

Now the question is if more information about Watson’s run as captain and his relationship with the 12 players on his team will be released.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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