US Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger shows PGA of America the light

Who said there’s no such thing as miracles? Just a few months ago PGA of America President Roger Warren was staunchly defending that lame Ryder Cup selection system which only awarded performance points for top ten finishes. Then they asked the wonderfully honest, outspoken and fiery Paul Azinger to be Captain for the 2008 Ryder Cup Matches to be held at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky. Azinger basically told them that he didn’t want to do it if they handcuffed him with that horrible system. On the heels of another lopsided Ryder Cup result, Warren and his cronies were finally able to hear a sensible argument. So they pretty much let Azinger make the changes that were needed, which was to make the system more conducive to picking the hottest golfers.

First and foremost, is that the system will be based on ALL money earned instead of that top 10 nonsense. Previously, an 11th place finish had as much value as a DFL (dead last) missed cut. And considering that an average of approximately 4 of the top 10 spots at every tournament go to non-American golfers, that was a dumb rule.

Second, the system is now based almost exclusively on the 2008 season. That alone guarantees a more in-form team. Besides, it is approximately the same qualifying period as the Euros use except they did allow for regular tournament value for the four majors in 2007. While not necessary, it probably causes no harm.

Third, any money earned in events played opposite majors and WGC tournaments will be devalued by half as opposed to majors and WGC earnings being doubled. What that means is earnings from the majors and WGC events are worth four times as much. That seems just about the right weight.

Fourth, the US team will no longer be selected weeks earlier than the European team. Azinger will have the ability to wait as long as the one week before the Ryder Cup starts to make any or all of his Captain’s picks.

But last and most controversial is that the Captain now gets four picks - a full 1/3 of the team - which is twice as many as ever before. This could be good or bad, depending on how well Azinger picks and, in turn, how well these 4 picks play. The Captain will now be scrutinized more than ever before.

All of these changes are way overdue. They may or may not have made a difference this year and maybe not in 2008. But make no mistake; the teams will now be selected on a more equitable basis than they have been in decades.