• Ryder Cup

Tiger and Mickelson will never be friends - Mahan

ESPN staff
September 29, 2010
Hunter Mahan says Tiger Woods doesn't like to talk during competition © Getty Images
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Hunter Mahan has confirmed that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are unlikely to be paired together as USA vie to defend the Ryder Cup on European soil.

Mahan, who will look to extend his impressive Ryder Cup streak after an unbeaten debut as a wildcard at Valhalla in 2008, admits the world's top two players are polar opposites and he would never expect them be friends.

Woods and Mickelson were hyped as the 'dream team' by USA captain Hal Sutton when they were paired together in 2004 at Oakland Hills, but they went on to lose both their fourballs and foursomes matches on the opening day.

Woods has been paired with Steve Stricker for the second consecutive practice day, sparking expectations that the pair could team up for the opening day, and Mahan admits Mickelson is an unlikely partner for Woods.

"Their personalities are completely different," Mahan said."They are totally different. Just by watching them play, you know.

"Tiger is very stoic and doesn't really talk much, and I know Phil, he talks to Bones [his caddy] on every shot and they really talk a lot in depth. Phil, I think the more he talks and chit chats, it calms him down. He likes that.

"You know, I would never expect them to be friends. After meeting them and talking to them and how they go about their business, they are just totally different. It is what it is and they are both going for the same thing usually every year, to be the best player in the world.

"I've played with both of them; I like them both. I get different things from both of them when I talk to them and tips and stuff like that. Their personalities are just 180 degrees different."

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