USA Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson has written an open letter in which he has taken "full responsibility" for his side's loss at Gleneagles.
Watson came under criticism for the way he led his side during the 16.5-11.5 defeat to Europe, and the 65-year-old has accepted that the blame for the loss must fall on his shoulders.
"I take complete and full responsibility for my communication, and I regret that my words may have made the players feel that I didn't appreciate their commitment and dedication to winning the Ryder Cup," Watson wrote. "My intentions throughout my term as Captain were both to inspire and to be honest.
"The guys gave everything. They played their hearts out. I was proud to get to know each and every one of them. I know they are all going to win tournaments, be on future Ryder Cup teams and have wonderful careers. The bottom line is this. I was their Captain. In hindsight whatever mistakes that were made were mine and I take complete and full responsibility for them.
"I want to say again to the players, their families, the PGA and our country how proud and honored I was to captain this talented group of golfers, and how privileged I was to spend the past two years working this labor of my love for the Ryder Cup."
The defeat means that USA have won just two of the last 10 Ryder Cups.
Kristian Johnson
