Tom Watson: 'I regret my words'

— -- In an open letter Saturday, Tom Watson said he takes "complete and full responsibility" for any mistakes he made as captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team.

The statement came one day after ESPN.com, citing four sources who witnessed what was supposed to be a team-bonding meeting on the Saturday night of the competition, reported that Watson took no responsibility for any shortcomings, scoffed at a gift that the U.S. team members gave him, ridiculed several European team players and started the proceedings by denigrating the Americans' play that afternoon.

"First, I take complete and full responsibility for my communication, and I regret that my words may have made the players feel that I didn't appreciate their commitment and dedication to winning the Ryder Cup," Watson said in the statement. "My intentions throughout my term as Captain were both to inspire and to be honest.

"The bottom line is this. I was their Captain. In hindsight whatever mistakes that were made were mine. And I take complete and full responsibility for them."

ESPN.com reported that Watson's address to the team that Saturday night led to Phil Mickelson's candid and blunt assessment of the Americans' fortunes at the Ryder Cup following their loss to Europe one day later.

Watson, in the statement, said he has spoken to Mickelson.

"Earlier this week I had an open and candid conversation with him and it ended with a better understanding of each other's perspectives," Watson said. "Phil's heart and intentions for our Team's success have always been in the right place. Phil is a great player, has great passion and I admire what he's done for golf."

ESPN.com's Bob Harig contributed to this report.