Weepy Mahan unable to speak at press conference (Extra)

Oct 4, 2010, 19:34 GMT

Newport, Wales - American golfer Hunter Mahan on Monday was lost for words as he became too emotional to answer questions following the US 14.5-13.5 Ryder Cup defeat against Europe at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales.

The 28-year-old had earlier been involved in the decisive Ryder Cup action when his match against Graeme McDowell became the one that would give either team victory.

As the US were defending champions, they needed just to halve the match, while Europe had to win.

After playing a birdie on the 15th to come back to within a hole the three-time PGA Tour winner saw McDowell bounce back with a birdie on the 16th.

Mahan was thus in a situation that he needed to win the last two holes, but he left his tee-shot on the par-three short of the green and then messed up his second shot and left it short of the green again.

As McDowell had played his second shot to within five foot of the pin, Maher needed to hole his third to keep himself and his team in the loop, but he pulled his putt wide and then conceded the putt, the match and the game to the man from Norther Ireland.

In the post-match press conference, Mahan twice could not answer questions as he struggled emotionally.

When all the players on the US team were asked for a comment, Mahan started by saying: 'Well, I'm just proud to be a part of this team. It's a close team, and ...'

He could not continue as he became too emotional.

Mahan was later asked to comment about his play, but simply ignored the question and was helped by Phil Mickelson, who took control and asked another journalist to pose a question.

Mahan was also supported by Steve Stricker, who said that it did not all come down to Mahan. 'We can all look back and we can all think about a shot here or there that could have turned the match to make up that one point, and you hate to see Hunter go through what he's going through, because it really shouldn't have come down to that.

'We are trying to help Hunter along here in this situation. But a tough deal for him.'

Stewart Cink said that Mahan should be congratulated for choosing to put himself in such a difficult situation of being prepared to play the final match. 'Hunter Mahan put himself in that position today.

'It's a selfish spot in the game of golf, and Hunter Mahan performed like a champ out there today, all right. And I think it's awesome. Not many players would want to do that.'

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