PGA 'O America Sounds Ready To Blow Up Its Ryder Rules

In separate conversations with Rex Hoggard of GolfChannel.com and Mark Lamport-Stokes of Reuters, PGA of America President Ted Bishop wisely admitted to the organization already re-thinking their approach to the Ryder Cup after a series of hiccups that may have tainted the USA experience this year, starting with a premature points cut-off, maybe premature captain's picks and Captain Tom Watson's old-school approach.

Interestingly, the man most mentioned as wanting to at least have a say in the captaincy structure going forward, Paul Azinger, didn't return a call when Bishop phoned before Watson was picked.

From Hoggard's report:

Before that, Bishop said he spoke with many former captains, including Davis Love III, Corey Pavin and Lanny Wadkins. He even reached out to Paul Azinger, the last winning American captain in 2008, but “never heard back from him.”

It also sounds like the PGA's desire to have a former major winner pilot the team is no longer a requirement.

“That decision will be made by someone other than me, but at this point the slate is totally clear. Why wouldn’t you consider him?” Bishop said. “A Ryder Cup captain doesn’t have to be a major champion. We have to get over that. We have to look for guys who are not afraid to roll their sleeves up and take a blue collar approach like McGinley did and Azinger did.”

Before Bishop went back to work on Tuesday afternoon, he offered one final thought that seemed apropos considering the criticism Watson and the PGA has received in the aftermath of last week’s blowout.

“I think the PGA of America is willing to change from a certain stand point,” he said. “We are willing to try to put all the appropriate pieces into place to collectively make a good decision going forward.”

From Lamport-Stokes we learn Bishop's view that the captain's picks might need to move to after the Tour Championship and his take on Mickelson's viewpoint about captains, which, at least publicly, isn't quite as shocked as you might expect.

"You know what, that was no surprise to me because I had a very similar conversation with Phil when we played together in the pro-am at the Scottish Open back in July at Royal Aberdeen.

"I had asked Phil a question about his perception of the Ryder Cup and he gave me the same answer that he gave on Sunday night, so it's clear to me that he feels very strongly about that."

Bishop, whose PGA of America organization represents more than 27,000 golf professionals, felt Mickelson's biggest mistake was not to speak out earlier, and in private with Watson.

"It would have been nice if he had maybe conveyed those feelings to Tom before the Ryder Cup rather than after the Ryder Cup," said Bishop. "And I wish he wouldn't have done it in that venue on Sunday night, but it is what it is.

Tim Rosaforte discusses what Mickelson’s message to the PGA of America and Tom Watson and captures some of the emotions involved for the various folks and also clarifies why Mickelson was not on the team jet (well, something about business meetings which is jargon for, I don't want to be on the same plane with a bunch of people I shouldn't have to fly to the Ryder Cup with).

Comments

[benseattle]

Pundits, experts, golfers and know-it-alls -- almost to a man -- have ripped Mickelson for his blunt outburst at the Team Loser news conference, most saying that Phil is entitled to his opinions but they shouldn't be voiced before the world, thus contrasting Azinger with Tom Watson and "throwing Tom under the bus." Well, they just don't get it. This may not have been premeditated by Lefty but once given the opening he wasn't going to be subtle because being subtle and careful and diplomatic is precisely what's gotten the Americans into this fix in the first place. Think about it: rather than waiting and quietly discussing his concerns behind oak-paneled PGA doors, Mickelson let fire -- determined to force action by pressing the discussion to happen RIGHT NOW, rather than in carefully-thought-out drips and drabs over the next year where probably nothing would happen. Sure, Watson had his feet put to the fire but (as much as we admire the guy) his old-school, manage-from-the-gut, you'll-be-informed-when-I'm-good-and-ready method of "team building" obviously failed miserably. Still doubt me? Just look at all the tweets from current and former U.S. Cuppers who are clamoring for Azinger's reappointment. Privately, these players are saying "Thanks, Phil, for saying what had to be said. I wouldn't have the stature or balls to do it but I'm sure glad YOU did!"

[nguyenvuminh]

Phil Mickelson and Tom Watson truly deserve one another. A passive aggressive know-it-all and a preachy hypocrite. And these two are always being used as examples of golf greats. I don't question their great golf accomplishment but the write-up about Mickelson and T Watson is always glowing. Let's face it, golf, like everything else, has its dark sides and imperfections, including its supposed heroes.

[Moonface]

USA won the fourballs and singles by 10,5-9,5. Europe, however, played a little better and got a few more breaks in foursomes. Therefore, McGinley is declared the greatest team leader since General Eisenhower, and Tom Watson is declared a miserable failure. It is also concluded that the PGA needs to reform its entire system. A sense of proportion, anyone?

[Mike]

Why does the PGA president have so much input? Isn't it a two-year term while there's a day to day CEO? Seems to me that these kinds of decisions should be left to the professionals. You don't see the USGA president picking where the next US Open is going to be.

[Convert]

I have given Phil the benefit of doubt all the way up until I just learned that "Mr. We need better team Unity" himself did not fly on the team plane EITHER way. WTF, don't talk about investment in the team, yadda yadda... and not ride the team bus. That is BS, and I don't want to hear about business meeting excuses.

I now believe that his comments were petty retribution for being benched Saturday. Remember Phil, even though you have played more matches than any American ever you can not blame all the loses contributing to your losing record on bad coaching. Sit your ass on the bench and shut up.

[Melvyn Hunter Morrow]

Oops - is it golf or again does the need to win destroy all that is good about the game because of the fear of failure.

To lose you first have to take part, yet can that be regarded as a failure - well in golf anyway?

Winning, the need or desire to win if allowed free reign will in the end destroy, all we have to do is look at Tiger Woods, so not winning at times can be good for the mind body and soul, it makes victory even sweeter if and when it comes.

Sour Grapes, this need for self review is it really necessary, because did we not see players performing at or close to their best, was it not entertaining, seeing players giving their all on those three days.

As we accept the win we need to accept that we may not be the best on any given day, so lets take what we saw and enjoy the memory as tomorrow is another day, another game, another Tournament - Championship and if players give of their best who are we to say otherwise!

[PABoy]

Bishop played with Phil Mickelson in the Pro Am for the Scottish Open? What self respecting golf professional would be caught playing in an event that charaterizes you an Amateur. When the PGA lowered the playing capability standards they lowered the earring capacity of their members, its all about supply and demand and the PGA has overbuilt the supply of "professionals" in the name of dues income.

Also why would the Scottish Open give away the premier get to an obvious non paying participant?

[ol Harv]

RULE 1 in new Ryder Cup guidelines:
The PGA President shall not be in the golf cart with the Captain during the competition.

[ol Harv]

"Pundits, experts, golfers and know-it-alls... Well, they just don't get it"

Thanks Ben, I'll change my point of view and opinion based on your eye-opening revelation on why Phil did what he did. By the way, did you have the same opinion when David Duval and Mark O'Meara spoke up about not getting paid for donating their time and services?

[Melvyn Hunter Morrow]

@ol Harv

"RULE 1 in new Ryder Cup guidelines:
The PGA President shall not be in the golf cart with the Captain during the competition."

Say No More - just say no more!

[Sir Shanks Alot]

PGA president Ted Bishop put his judgment into question when he not only supported anchored putting but tried to establish it on the PGA tour in opposition to the USGA and R&A. So it doesn't surprise me that he foisted Tom Watson upon the 2014 team after he had endless opportunities to observe that Tom was unfit for the job. What kind of decrepit manager allows a job candidate, fellow Polo pal Webb Simpson, to text him at 3am to cry and beg for the job. I know that was after the fact, as far as hiring Tom, but it seems indicative of his management-style weaknesses. Take Bishop out of the equation, and adopt the European system. After all, their progressive employee relations and management systems have produced better cars - Mercedes, BMW, Audi - for example.

[digsouth]

My understanding is PM was already in Scotland, but some of you would have him fly back to the IS, and then fly bacl to Scotland t be on the team plane? Really- is that how you plan your trips, because common sense dictates just flying there once,, but then what do I know

[Press Agent]

great post benseattle!! you said it all.

[Anthony]

Turn it over to the P.G.A. Tour! Leave Ted Bishop alone to run his golf shop, take tee-time and fold his shirts.

[mark]

Anthony, You forgot about selling clubs and growing the game through golf 2.0. O Wait, no golfer has heard of golf 2.0 and only buys clubs after super discount from Lauren Thompson

[ol Harv]

@Anthony, and run footgolf tourneys at his club.

[Forty]

PABoy +1billionsofmillions

[Prinipal's Nose]

@ PAboy Who said Bishop, or the PGA of A, didn't pay for the spot in the Pro AM? Perhaps the sponsor is offered a comp team? Not sure, but I don't think the "gave up" a paying spot for Bishop. After all, he was playing with the defending Champion which usually has those kind of perks.

[benseattle]

Harv, in regards to the now 15-year-old argument of "pay me to play Ryder Cup," I believe the issue has been dramatically distorted. Without looking up figures, I seem to recall that this is a $50-million-dollar payday for the U.S. PGA and what Duval, O'Meara and a few others may have been asking was "Why don't the PLAYERS have a say about the cash we generate?" Did they Actually Demand to be paid for participating? Maybe... maybe not -- depends on which opinionated sportswriter you were reading that week. As for myself, I was surprised that the issue came up DURING Ryder Cup week rather than in the weeks and months leading up to the event but you'll notice that the PGA did acquiesce to a charitable contribution ($100,000?) toward a cause deemed worthy by each player. Perhaps raising the issue during Ryder Cup week caused them to take a few hits.... but Mission Accomplished, huh? Same goes for Phil.

You're welcome! :-)

[Convert]

My point Ky, is don't get up there talking about the importance of being "invested" in the team and relationships with other players then act like Barry Bonds - traveling on your own, etc.

I am OK with him making his own travel arrangements and being a prima donna, just not preaching team dynamics (as retribution) after his feelings were hurt on Saturday.

[LadyH]

Sorry, I'm not buying the "he had business over there" excuse. The RC date was set a long time ago and granted, there was no guarantee that he'd make the team, but he should have been on the American plane with the rest of the team. Think the others didn't have business scheduling issues?
Making the team is an honor but it seems that to Phil, all that mattered was playing and complaining about the way things were run.

[ol Harv]

Ben, you don't know me from nobody so I wouldn't blame you for doubting me, but I've heard it straight out of two Captains' mouths (the two who had to deal with it) and it was four players according to them. They had no reason to lie. So much for the opionated sportswriter. Wonder why O'Meara has never been a Ryder Cup Captain? Or isn't in the HOF?

[G-Man]

For those who are taking Mickelson to task for his honesty, can't you see how smart this guy is?! Look what his comments have started. Everyone is talking about how the US needs to fix everything about the Ryder Cup. That doesn't happen if Phil doesn't create a media frenzy with his comments. He was willing to put his squeaky clean image on-the-line to make a much larger point. Years from now, we will look back on this and realize how smart he was for making the points he did.

[Dubious]

After spending over a year promoting his leading role in identifying Tom Watson as Captain, and taking every opportunity to hog the stage with Tom it's sad to see how quickly Bishop bailed on his man, Watson. No post Match expressions of support or thanks. And then there was Bishop's high-profile role with the Hack golf initiative, and how quickly Bishop distanced himself from his former friend, Mark King. If there's a lesson here, it's that Ted Bishop doesn't know the meaning of the word, loyalty. He's a master at seeking out and getting publicity and jumping ship when there's a whiff of controversy or difficulty. Ted Bishop is a poor representative of PGA golf professionals. Hopefully those who have to work with Bishop will understand that Ted Bishop is in it for himself and doesn't know the meaning of watching anyone's back.

[LadyH]

Ben, after a few already rich but IMO spoiled brat American players wanted to be paid for their RC appearance I became, and still am a Euro fan.