Phil Mickelson and Fred Couples named USA Ryder Cup vice-captains

USA Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker has selected Phil Mickelson and Fred Couples as vice-captains for this month’s event at Whistling Straits.

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Phil Mickelson has played in every Ryder Cup since making his debut in 1995 and became the oldest major champion in history in May’s PGA Championship, but the 51-year-old has struggled to produce such form on a consistent basis.

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Couples, 61, made five appearances as a player in the biennial contest and was a vice-captain under Davis Love at Medinah in 2012.

Stricker said: “I’ve been staying in close contact with both Freddie and Phil, talking about all things Ryder Cup, for a while now.

“They provide honest and impactful feedback, and both have such a passion for the Ryder Cup.

“I’m honoured that they were willing to join our team and help put us in the best position to win in a few weeks at Whistling Straits.”

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Mickelson and Couples join Davis Love III, Jim Furyk and Zach Johnson in Stricker’s backroom staff for the contest from September 24-26.

The USA will finalise their 12-man team after this week’s season-ending Tour Championship.

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