Former United States Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton hit back at Phil Mickelson

Former United States Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton hit back at Phil Mickelson, saying the left-hander lacked preparation at the 2004 tournament.

Mickelson pointed to Sutton’s decision to pair him with Tiger Woods in Michigan as an example of the vital role captain’s play.

The 46-year-old was left trying to play Woods’ high-spin ball, and USA were eventually beaten 18 1/2 – 9 1/2 by Europe.

Sutton responded, however, saying Mickelson had switched clubs and his ball leading into the Ryder Cup.

“There’s a lot of controversy that follows Phil everywhere, I’ll leave it at that,” he told the Golf Channel.

“He wasn’t even prepared with the ball that he brought to the tournament, much less Tiger’s. So, I think he needs to search his own soul a little bit.”

Sutton said Mickelson’s decision to change equipment leading in was a poor one, and the five-time major winner finished with a 1-3-0 individual record.

“It was very self-serving for him to do that prior to the Ryder Cup in 2004,” he said.

“So, if he needs me to shoulder the blame for his poor play, I can do that.”