Tom Watson accepts responsibility for Ryder Cup loss

There has been no shortage of finger-pointing in the United States following Europe's 16 1/2 " 11 1/2 win last week at Gleneagles.

Much of it has surrounded Watson's leadership and Phil Mickelson pulled no punches in a scathing news conference after their defeat, criticising the way the captain dealt with his players.

Watson has spoken several times since the defeat but released a statement on Saturday that said he acknowledged his communication was poor, and that he had no bad blood with Mickelson.

"First, I take complete and full responsibility for my communication, and I regret my words [that] may have made the players feel that I didn't appreciate their commitment and dedication to winning the Ryder Cup," he said.

"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.

"Earlier this week I had an open and candid conversation with him [Phil] and it ended with a better understanding of each other's perspectives.

"Phil's heart and intentions for our team's success have always been in the right place.

"Phil is a great player, has great passion and I admire what he's done for golf."