Phil Mickelson is not someone who has been known for his measured takes on the world of golf over the last couple of years.
The American was at the forefront of the LIV Golf movement, being one of the first players to get into bed with the Saudis despite admitting that they were 'scary motherf*****s'. Clearly, this not deter him from accepting the rumoured $200million payday that was on offer.
Since then, he has provided some rather questionable opinions about the new tour's place in the sport. He has certainly seemed to enjoy goading other top golfers about their comments on the venture, especially Rory McIlroy.
Considering all of this, it is perhaps surprising that he has a more realistic view on his place in one of the sport's flagship events moving forward.
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Phil Mickelson surprisingly forthright about Ryder Cup prospects
Phil Mickelson has a huge amount of Ryder Cup experience, having played in every version of the event between 1995 and 2018. He also acted as a vice-captain for the USA team in 2021.
In normal circumstances, he would be a leading candidate to lead the team at Bethpage in 2025. However, his affiliation with LIV Golf and consistent ciritical comments in relation to the PGA Tour makes that a very unlikely prospect.
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Phil Mickelson admitted that next year's team would probably be better off without him as captain.
I don't feel I'm the right guy to be involved with the team.
I'm a very divisive character right now, if you will, and I understand that.
The players on the PGA Tour, there's a lot of hostilities towards me, and I don't feel I'd be the best leader for them," he added.
I knew I was going to take some hits going forward, and I'm OK with that.
And as a divisive individual. I don't think I'm the best unifier going forward for the Ryder Cup, and that's fine because I've had so many great memories with it.
The Americans are likely to be favourites to win next year's Ryder Cup, although Europe will fancy their chances of pulling off an upset after their big victory in Rome in 2023.
That remains to be seen, but it seems all but certain that Phil Mickelson will have no part to play in the process.
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