Brandel Chamblee criticizes Phil Mickelson for tarnishing Ryder Cup

Brandel Chamblee, an analyst on the Golf Channel, criticized Phil Mickelson on Sunday after learning of Mickelson’s comment in which he blamed Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson for the U.S.’s loss to Europe. Mickelson said that the U.S. should return to Paul Azinger as captain, saying he did a better job of preparing the team. Azinger was captain of the last U.S. victory in 2008.

Chamblee pointed out that Mickelson is 16-19-6 in Ryder Cup play and said Mickelson should point his finger at himself, not others.

“Phil Mickelson, along with the best players of that era, have so corrupted the experience of the Ryder Cup for their fellow competitors by not having records anywhere near what they should, given their rank in the game,” Chamblee said. “If you’re looking for a reason why the United States continues to lose, you just saw it, you saw it in one man -- Phil Mickelson.”

He also said that Mickelson’s comments may have ruined the Ryder Cup experience for rookie team members.

Chamblee also blasted Mickelson’s press conference maneuvers for “tainting” this year’s rookies.

“Think about the young players on this team going forward -- Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth,” Chamblee said. “Jordan Spieth, this is his first Ryder Cup. It’s tainted now. The experience of this Ryder Cup will forever be tainted in his mind. He will have a negative image of the way this week ended, not because he lost, but because they didn’t lose with dignity.

“When it comes time to come together as a team and talk about how good Europe played and what a great experience it is to represent your country,” Chamblee insisted, “win or lose, Phil Mickelson tainted it.”