Phil Mickelson’s barb doesn’t bother European Ryder Cup team

The European players at the 2014 Ryder Cup insist they were neither offended nor entirely surprised by Phil Mickelson’s verbal jab at them.

“He loves to throw a few bobs out there, which is great,” Justin Rose said Thursday. “That’s kind of the way he likes to be.”

Mickelson stirred things up Wednesday while answering a question about U.S. team chemistry. He said with a smile: “Well, not only are we able to play together, we also don’t litigate against each other and that’s a real plus.”

The comment alluded to a lawsuit that Rory McIlroy filed against his former agent, Horizon Sports Management, which also represents Graeme McDowell. Claiming that Horizon improperly gave McDowell preferential treatment, McIlroy has asked to see all contracts between the agency and his European teammate.

The players -- who are also friends -- have said their relationship remains strong.

“You need to see how Rory and G-Mac are in the team room,” Ian Poulter said. “There’s no animosity in there whatsoever.”

The Europeans acknowledged discussing Mickelson’s barb, but only briefly.

“It’s one of those things, you read it, you laugh about it and that’s it,” Martin Kaymer said.