Mickelson thrives under immense pressure

Phil Mickelson earned the afternoon off after teaming with Rickie Fowler to win their opening match in a morning foursomes sweep by the U.S. team.

He might have needed it after coming through when it may have mattered most for himself and the team.

''Certainly I felt more pressure heading into today's matches,'' Mickelson said. ''Given the buildup over the last couple years, the criticism, the comments, what have you, the pressure was certainly as great, or greater, than I've ever felt.''

Playing in his 11th straight Ryder Cup, Mickelson took on the role of de facto captain for this team. But he came under fire this week for criticizing former captain Hal Sutton for matching him with Tiger Woods in the U.S. Ryder Cup loss 12 years ago.

''I could have copped out and asked to sit. That would have been a total weak move, and I wanted to get out there,'' Mickelson said. ''Put me out there. I enjoy that pressure.''

Mickelson and Fowler beat Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan, 1 up.