God bless Phil Mickelson! The American correctly recognised that there is 'nothing worse than a nicey, nicey Ryder Cup' and in a move which should be appreciated by all golf fans, consciously decided to ramp up the tension with a gratuitous swipe at Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell during the week.
Well, on the eve of the event, Rory McIlroy has responded with an even more delicious barb aimed right back at the big man of the US team.
At least we're not wanted by the FBI!!
You see, Phil Mickelson was investigated by the FBI in connection with an insider trading scandal but was later cleared. That's golf for you, police tend to investigate other sportsmen in connection with more blue collar pursuits, such as nutting people outside of bars.
It was all looking good for those of us who want the poisonous spirit of Brookline in '99 to be revived.
Worryingly, however, McIlroy attempted to cool tensions by saying:
I got a couple of jabs back at him at the gala dinner. I know Phil well and we had a couple of laughs about it.
McDowell followed up by adding, 'it was a wind up a bit of craic.'
