Ryder Cup Day One: Is Phil Mickelson actually the weakest link?

I’m sure glad they don’t behead people for treason here in England any more or I’d be in trouble. Every time an American sinks a birdie putt and I let out a muted ‘yesssss’ I get the filthiest looks you can imagine. It’s no good telling them its purely business, they want the Yankees beat like never before. If you ask me Dubya and his Iraq war have more to answer for than we thought.

But he’s not the only one. I don’t know why everyone keeps laying into poor Tiger Woods - at least he brought something home on Friday. For my money me the weakest link at the moment is Phil Mickelson. His partnership with Chris DiMarco was pivotal and let the US down twice.

Bad luck played its part, as did the Darren Clarke factor in the morning. But had the American pair hung in there a bit harder we’d be whistling a totally different tune this morning.

Captain Tom Lehman has kept his faith with the pair Saturday, so let’s see them return the compliment.

In all though I don’t see any need for the Americans to cry over their tortilla chips too much. Look on the bright side: they were four points behind after the first day when they won in 1999. But they were very disappointing Friday - the Europeans showed the greater fire.

So a bit more grit this morning would be in order guys. Think I shall now stay my hand until the singles, which could be where all the good action is to be had.

Still got that strange tingle in my neck though.