Zinger Given Every Opportunity For Ryder Cup Success
Hello. Congrats to Paul Azinger for being selected US Ryder Cup captain for 2008. There are a few guys on the US teams over the years that symbolize Ryder Cup. Azinger is one of them. Here's hoping he'll do well.
Azinger seemed to be in a position of strength, as the PGA of America seemed desperate to get someone who could turn the US downward tide in this event. As a result, Azinger was able to get some much needed selection changes to be implemented.
The big one to me is only counting 2007 majors titles for points. In this way, a player's selection would be determined more by 2008 results, which favours the hot player. If someone does well in a 2007 major, the effect usually lasts until 2008. For some it can change their careers.
Having points tied to money is another good one. It then separates the top tourneys from the second tier ones. I think everyone was amazed John Rollins got more Ryder Cup points for winning last year's BC Open than Chris DiMarco got for being 2nd in the British Open. Since both were played at the same time, the BC Open field was clearly inferior. By giving 1 point per $1,000 in a major, and 1 point for $2,000 in a non-major, this issue will never occur again.
Finally, giving Azinger 4 captain's picks, all of which can be deferred until the Monday before the Ryder Cup, gives him the best chance to get players he feels are up to the task. It also helps players who missed multiple tourneys due to injury, etc.
Will these changes help? After the last two Ryder Cups, they can't hurt. If nothing else, they will get rid of the excuses.
Regards,
Steve
Azinger seemed to be in a position of strength, as the PGA of America seemed desperate to get someone who could turn the US downward tide in this event. As a result, Azinger was able to get some much needed selection changes to be implemented.
The big one to me is only counting 2007 majors titles for points. In this way, a player's selection would be determined more by 2008 results, which favours the hot player. If someone does well in a 2007 major, the effect usually lasts until 2008. For some it can change their careers.
Having points tied to money is another good one. It then separates the top tourneys from the second tier ones. I think everyone was amazed John Rollins got more Ryder Cup points for winning last year's BC Open than Chris DiMarco got for being 2nd in the British Open. Since both were played at the same time, the BC Open field was clearly inferior. By giving 1 point per $1,000 in a major, and 1 point for $2,000 in a non-major, this issue will never occur again.
Finally, giving Azinger 4 captain's picks, all of which can be deferred until the Monday before the Ryder Cup, gives him the best chance to get players he feels are up to the task. It also helps players who missed multiple tourneys due to injury, etc.
Will these changes help? After the last two Ryder Cups, they can't hurt. If nothing else, they will get rid of the excuses.
Regards,
Steve
posted by Irrelevant at 11:29 AM
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