Phil Mickelson believes the six Ryder Cup rookies on the US team may actually have an advantage over their team-mates by not being part of a losing legacy.

Europe have won the last three in a row and Mickelson the newcomers have no emotional scars to cope with.

The 38-year-old has instead pointed to five Presidents Cup wins as proof the US can perform on such a stage.

"Had it not been for the Presidents Cup, I might agree with that premise," Mickelson said. "But I feel the Presidents Cup has given us team competition, team experiences that we've done very well in and succeeded in. And the key for us will be doing it in a Ryder Cup."

He added: "I don't know why we haven't been able to play at the same level in the Ryder Cup as we have in the Presidents Cup.

"I don't know why that is. I don't feel as though there are those scars you're talking about, given that we've had success in the alternate years."

Given the nature of the US qualification system, Mickelson has no doubts the 12-man team will be ready for action.

"Our new points system has helped get the players playing best this year because it's been a one-year process," he said. "Just because some guys have not played in this particular event doesn't mean that they are not ready and equipped and have their games ready to play.

"Also, not being a part of the last few US teams is not necessarily a bad thing. So the guys who haven't played, they have never lost this event."