GLENEAGLES, Scotland - Nick Faldo says Sergio Garcia did not want to play in the 2008 Ryder Cup, which prompted him to describe the Spaniard as "useless" on television.

Faldo was working as analyst for Golf Channel during the matches. When the host mentioned that Garcia has been "spectacular" in the matches, Faldo replied: "Apart from one." He was referring to 2008, when Faldo was captain and the Americans won at Valhalla. Garcia earned one point from two halved matches.

Faldo told The Associated Press he regrets saying "useless" and did not want to create a firestorm during the biggest week of the year for Europe. He says it was live television and he meant no malice.

The Europeans rallied behind Garcia after they took a 5-3 lead after the opening day.