Ryder Cup 2014: Why Phil Mickelson Was Right to Call out Tom Watson

Will the USA ever win another Ryder Cup?

It sure doesn't seem like it.

Since 1993, the Americans have managed to win just two of the 10 competitions, and they have lost the last three.

Following this year's competition—which saw the Europeans win by a commanding 16.5 to 11.5 margin—10-time Ryder Cup veteran Phil Mickelson took to the podium to praise 2008 captain Paul Azinger's strategy, which many took as a slight to this year's captain, Tom Watson:

According to Julian Guyer of The Sydney Morning Herald, former European captain Nick Faldo thought that was poor timing and that Mickelson was out of bounds.

Canadian pro Graham DeLaet also had choice words for the lefty:

Yet as good of a career as Watson has had, the criticism is well-deserved, and Mickelson shouldn't be blamed for voicing his opinion at the team's press conference.

Watson's decision-making drew the ire of a number of pundits.

Ian O'Connor of ESPN Radio and ESPNNewYork.com opined that Watson cost the American team a full point by benching Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed—two of the team's lone bright spots throughout the weekend—on Friday afternoon:

Golf Digest's Dan Jenkins also took a shot at Watson's personnel decision:

Then there's the fact that Watson's three captain's picks were beaten handily by their European competition. Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan and Webb Simpson combined for a record of 2-5-1.

That kind of play justifies even more scrutiny of Watson's decision-making.

Even Watson admitted to making a few mistakes, as BBC Sport pointed out:

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While the Europeans were tripping over themselves to praise Paul McGinley, not many Americans rushed to endorse their own skipper. Admitted he may have made a mistake by using tired players, such as Jimmy Walker, too often.

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Throwing in the fact that Watson decided to bench one of his most experienced players on Saturday in Mickelson—who finished the Cup winning two of his three matches—gives his detractors plenty of ammunition.

You may disagree with the timing of Lefty's comments, but they weren't off-base, and Mickelson should have the right to express his frustrations—especially considering how thoroughly the Americans were beaten.

The Ryder Cup is about using your captain's picks effectively and creating the best partnerships and matchups. This past weekend, Watson did a very poor job.

Perhaps Mickelson was right and the Americans should look to Azinger to help them return to the winner's circle.

Jon Reid is a correspondent for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @JonReidCSM.