The evolution of the U.S. Ryder Cup team from doormat of Europe to defending champion and favorite to repeat this weekend can be traced to many things. Since 2012, the last time they played on the same Ryder Cup team, Woods and Mickelson have evolved from distant rivals to friendly peers. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson wait for play during four-ball competition at the 2004 Ryder Cup. Photo: Al Messerschmidt/WireImage/Associated PressThough Woods and Mickelson long played on the same Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, the unions were brief, forced and sometimes awkward. Still, the mere plausibility of the two of them playing together represents a change for the U.S. And it is rooted in the Ryder Cup.

Source: Wall Street Journal September 26, 2018 10:30 UTC