Poulter reveals Faldo lost respect of Europe's elite golfers after branding Garcia 'useless'

British golf ace Ian Poulter has revealed in his autobiography that English golfer Nick Faldo has lost the respect of Europe's leading golfers after calling Spain's Sergio Garcia 'useless' during their Ryder Cup victory over the United States at Gleneagles.

Working as a golf commentator for American television at this year's Ryder Cup, six-time major winner Faldo said that world number three Garcia was 'useless' during Europe's 2008 Ryder Cup defeat at Valhalla.

Englishman Poulter, writing in his book titled 'No Limits', which was released this week, said that the European team was furious with Faldo who was captain during the 2008 defeat, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Poulter wrote that Garcia put a brave face on it but the rest of the guys were fuming. He added that he is shocked that Faldo said it as it is highly disrespectful, a cheap shot and it's the worst possible timing.

Poulter further wrote that it makes him laugh, adding that Faldo talked about someone being useless at the 2008 Ryder Cup. He stated that that is the Ryder Cup where Faldo was captain and where the Europe team suffered a heavy defeat.

And Poulter also wrote that Faldo was captain, so who is useless, adding that Faldo might need to have a little look in the mirror. He stated that he has always got on great with Faldo in the past and has a great deal of respect for everything he has achieved but this feels like sour grapes.

Poulter said that it feels like a guy who is still bitter that he lost in 2008. He added that Faldo has lost a lot of respect from players because of what he said.

Poulter revealed that there were plenty of things a lot of the players were unhappy with at Valhalla but none of them criticised Faldo and he might find that begins to change now.

Europe cruised to a 16-1/2 to 11-1/2 victory at Gleneagles and US captain Tom Watson was on the receiving end of stinging criticism from Phil Mickelson who said there was a lack of team spirit in their ranks, the report added.