US captain shares love with record breaker Mickelson

USA Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III was last night close to tears as he praised Phil Mickelson’s leadership skills as the left-hander prepares to make an American record ninth appearance at Medinah tomorrow.

Mickelson, 42, has been an ever-present on the US team since 1995 and the four-time major winner could also surpass Billy Casper’s record of playing 37 matches by the time the contest with Europe concludes on Sunday night.

While his record in the matches is not a winning one, Love has been overawed by his former team-mate’s contribution as a team leader, with the captain lauding both Mickelson and Tiger Woods for leaving their lofty positions in the game at the locker-room door.