I know, I know, there’s a long way to go yet until the 2008 Ryder Cup is played at Valhalla this September. In fact, three of the four Major championships have yet to be played. But it’s not so soon that we can’t have a little fun with some speculation! I’m not talking about the obvious such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia. There are a few lesser-known candidates who have played well enough so far this year to assume that they, as long as their current level continues, will be in Kentucky.

For the European side, Coach Faldo will be looking hard at veterans Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, Robert Karlsson of Sweden and Darren Clarke of Ireland along with rookies Martin Kaymer of Germany & Oliver Wilson of England.

For the Americans and Coach Azinger, it would be veterans Justin Leonard & Kenny Perry (in his home state) and newbies Anthony Kim, Jeff Quinney & Sean O’Hair.

I almost hate to say this but with an outside chance of making one more Ryder Cup appearance is the resurgent Fred Couples. His health is better than it’s been in years and, if his back holds up, he may actually earn his way into the team. You would be hard pressed to name 12 Americans currently playing better than old Freddie.

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