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The clamor is growing for Paul Azinger to be Ryder Cup captain for the United States in 2016 after it suffered a third straight defeat to Europe. The 54-year-old was the last man to lead America to success in the biennial team competition, in 2008. It remains their only success this century. Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images/file
The calls were led by Phil Mickleson, who lauded Azinger's captaincy during the United States' press conference in the aftermath of its 16½-11½ defeat to Europe at Gleneagles in Scotland. It was taken as tacit criticism of 2014 captain Tom Watson. Harry Engels/Getty Images
Mickelson said Azinger had involved the players in his decision making process and formulated a "real game plan," the implication being that Watson had done neither during his tenure. BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images
In reply to Mickleson's comments, Watson said: "(Phil) has a difference of opinion. That's OK. My management philosophy is different than his. I had a different philosophy than Paul. I decided not to go that way." GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images
Azinger created four-man pods among his 12 players in 2008, allowing them ownership of the process. He also enlisted business principles to match them by personality types. "We have strayed from a winning formula in 2008 for the last three Ryder Cups, and we need to consider maybe getting back to that formula that helped us play our best," Mickelson added. Andrew Redington/Getty Images/file
There was no such fall-out on the European side, with captain Paul McGinley's players lining up to praise the fun atmosphere he created, his motivational techniques and meticulous attention to detail. Andrew Redlington/Getty Images
