Sutton tries different approach

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Hal Sutton doesn't want anyone to read anything into his pairings during the practice rounds at the Ryder Cup, and that's a good thing.

Otherwise, one could only guess that Phil Mickelson will be riding the bench until Sunday.

Mickelson caused the biggest stir Wednesday at Oakland Hills by taking the day off from practice, an unusual decision that left everyone to wonder if American unity already was on life support.

Then again, the show of individualism fits in with everything Sutton has been preaching.

"Worry about yourself," Sutton said. "If I get you to worry about you, and I get the best out of you, then it will come together as a team effort that could be brilliant."

The best illustration is the rare tack Sutton is taking this week.

Captains usually have a good idea about teams midway through the week and start putting those players together during practice so they can get comfortable with each other.

Sutton is keeping his guys in the dark. From the time his 12-man team was finalized on Aug. 16 until sometime before opening ceremonies today, the American players will not get the slightest hint whom their partners will be.

And Sutton's pairings during the practice rounds don't offer much of a clue.

"I told them I wasn't going to set the pairings for the practice rounds," Sutton said.

Sutton said his lineup for the opening round is set. He will let the players know during the final day of practice.