Mickelson carrying no baggage

American veteran Phil Mickelson insisted there were would be no emotional scars to cope with at this week's Ryder Cup despite the US having lost three times in a row.

Mickelson admits that "not being a part of the last few US teams is not necessarily a bad thing" but the 38-year-old has benefited from five Presidents Cup wins.

"Had it not been for the Presidents Cup, I might agree with that premise," Mickelson said. "But I feel the Presidents Cup has given us team competition, team experiences that we've done very well in and succeeded in. And the key for us will be doing it in a Ryder Cup."

He added: "I don't know why we haven't been able to play at the same level in the Ryder Cup as we have in the Presidents Cup.

"I don't know why that is. I don't feel as though there are those scars you're talking about, given that we've had success in the alternate years."

There are six rookies in the 12-man US team but, given the nature of the qualification system, Mickelson has no doubts they will be ready for action.

"Our new points system has helped get the players playing best this year because it's been a one-year process," he said.

"Just because some guys have not played in this particular event doesn't mean that they are not ready and equipped and have their games ready to play.

"Also, not being a part of the last few US teams is not necessarily a bad thing. So the guys who haven't played, they have never lost this event."