Phil Mickelson says USA need to build on Ryder Cup success
By Press Association
Last Updated: 03/10/16 3:01pm
Veteran Phil Mickelson wants America's Ryder Cup victory to be the foundations for long-term success and not just a break in Europe's recent domination.
In the past, the 46-year-old had been critical of the system which he believes had been the cause of so many failures for the United States team.
It was his outspoken comments in the press conference at the conclusion of the 2014 defeat at Gleneagles, launching an attack at the methods of then-captain Tom Watson, which prompted an overhaul by the PGA of America.
A task force was formed to look at all aspects of selection and preparation and, on arrival at Hazeltine, Mickelson declared himself happy with the way things had panned out.
Each vice-captain brought integral parts to the success of this foundation and it's important that we build on that.
Mickelson
Following the 17-11 win which ended a run of three successive European victories, he felt vindicated.
But he stressed it would be a mistake to assume everything would now slip back into the way it used to be with the USA winning the event almost all the time.
He said: "We need to build on this, otherwise it's all for nothing.
"We created a very solid foundation this year with the input Davis Love (captain). Each vice-captain brought integral parts to the success of this foundation and it's important that we build on that.
"Davis is going to be a very instrumental part of that going forward in two years, because for us to go to Europe and try to win the cup is a whole different feat.
"That's going to require a whole different level of play, of solidarity, of fortitude and we are going to have to build on this in two years if we want to try to retain the cup.
"So it's important to start this foundation. Yes, it's great that we had success this week but it's not about one year or one Ryder Cup.
"It's about a multitude, for decades to come."
