According to Europe's talisman Ian Poulter in his latest autobiography, Nick Faldo has lost the respect of Europe's leading golfers after he called Sergio Garcia "useless" during their Ryder Cup victory over the United States at Gleneagles.
Faldo worked as a golf commentator for American television at this year's Ryder Cup. During that time, he called Sergio Garcia "useless" during their Ryder Cup win against the US.
According to Englishman Poulter "Sergio puts a brave face on it but the rest of the guys are fuming. I'm shocked that he has said it. It's highly disrespectful. It's a cheap shot and it's the worst possible timing."
He wrote further "It makes me laugh. Faldo is talking about someone being useless at the 2008 Ryder Cup. That's the Ryder Cup where he was captain. That's the Ryder Cup where the Europe team suffered a heavy defeat. And he was captain. So who's useless? Faldo might need to have a little look in the mirror. I have always got on great with Faldo in the past and I have a great deal of respect for everything he has achieved but this feels like sour grapes. It feels like a guy who is still bitter that he lost in 2008."
He continued "Faldo has lost a lot of respect from players because of what he said. There were plenty of things a lot of the players were unhappy with at Valhalla but none of us criticized him. He may find that begins to change now."
Europe had a strong win in the recent Ryder Cup. They had a 16-1/2 to 11-1/2 victory at Gleneagles while U.S captain, Tom Watson was on the receiving end of stinging criticism from Phil Mickelson.
Poulter said he was also astonished by some of Mickelson's decision. He said "By the end of the second day we have a 10-6 lead. "Ecstatic as we are, quite a few of us are surprised by Watson's decision-making during Saturday's play. Most of all I'm astonished he does not play Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley. "
Adding "He leaves them out of both sessions. It completely baffles me. It gives us a double boost because it tells us there are problems in the U.S team room. Watson's choices mean seven of his players play 36 holes on Saturday. I find it hard to see the sense in that."
