OK, I ADMIT TO BEING FACETIOUS in my headline, but there are many ways Paul Azinger could go with his four captain’s picks for the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
It’s been widely reported that Zinger is willing to think outside the tee box when it comes to making his picks, including going “off” Tour to select a hot Nationwide or Champions Tour player. He might just have the guts (or stupidity?) to do such a thing, but I doubt that it will happen.
As I say in my 2008 Ryder Cup Report (sign up under the blue welcome message), having four picks (instead of the customary two) will mean that more responsibility for his team’s success or failure will rest on his shoulders.
And if Azinger was, in his absolute wildest thoughts, considering himself? (NO! NO! Don’t do it!)
Paul had a 5-7-3 overall record in four Ryder Cups. He was 2-0-2 in singles, including a hard-fought halve with Nick Faldo in 1993 after the Cup had been decided.
Recently, Zinger has made two cuts in eight 2008 events and is ranked 749th in the world. Hot or not, definitely not a good pick. Not that Paul is on anyone’s list.
−The Armchair Golfer
Related:
2008 Ryder Cup Report
2008 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Takes Shape
If he picks himself, they’ll lose for sure. That would be galatically stupid, in my opinion.
I hope he picks guys who are mentally tough, and guys who can putt. Now that combination is going to be tough to find, given the choices I see. Having said that, I think he’ll pick Steve Stricker, Woody Austin, Hunter Mahan, and Rocco Mediate.
I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
I would scratch Hunter Mahan off of that list. I think he would be a great pick, but his recent comments on the importance (or rather, unimportance) of the Ryder Cup probably ruined his chances. I think Rocco would be great, along with Scott Verplank and Woody Austin.
Tom: I agree on your “mentally tough” and “putting” attributes. I like Stricker and Mediate, not as fond of Austin and Mahan as picks. I tend to agree with Ray that Hunter’s recent comments won’t sit well with Azinger.
I agree with Ray also. I had no idea Mahan made those comments, so I’d say he won’t be making the team either. Good to know his sentiments so he won’t be picked.
If I had to swap anyone for Mahan, I think I’d definitely pick Zack Johnson. I don’t care much for Austin as a pick either, but who would you pick instead, Sean O’Hair, Brandt Snedeker, or off the board for $300? I think Austin has earned it over them, but his putting could be a problem.
I’ve read that Mahan has made amends with the powers that be, so maybe he still has a shot if he plays well. At No. 10 on the list, Woody would be on the team under the old criteria. You have to give him a strong look, although his putting is suspect.