Watson defends pairings but admits ‘we were outplayed’

United States Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson conceded his team were outplayed on the opening day at Gleneagles but defended his decisions on pairings.

Having won the morning fourballs, finishing with a significant psychological advantage, he rested rookies Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed after their brilliant demolition of Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher. However, he kept faith with Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley for the foursomes and they were comfortably beaten.

“We were outplayed, I know that,” he said. “It started off looking pretty good and then we didn’t perform in the afternoon, it’s disappointing. The players are disappointed. I know the question is going to be asked about Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed, whether I should have played them in the afternoon.