Azinger logical choice to stay Ryder Cup captain

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — No one spent more time in the PGA of America hospitality room last month at Oakland Hills than Corey Pavin, presumably to start lobbying to be the next U.S. captain for the Ryder Cup.

The list of candidates has rarely been this short, nor has it been so obvious.

"Zinger in 2010," Phil Mickelson said after the Americans reclaimed possession of the Ryder Cup.

Paul Azinger widened his eyes with what little strength he had left Sunday night when asked if he would consider devoting another two years as Captain America, this time with far more to lose than to gain.

"Zinger in 2010," Justin Leonard added.

It's easy to get wrapped up in the emotion of winning golf's most passionate event, especially since it had been nine years since the Americans climbed to the balcony of a clubhouse for a champagne shower.

Captains sometimes get too much credit when they win, and even more blame when they lose. But for all the spectacular shots over three days at Valhalla that carried the United States to a 16 1/2-11 1/2 victory, the "man of the match" might have been the one American who didn't hit a single shot.

It was Azinger who persuaded the PGA of America to scrap its archaic system of picking a Ryder Cup team. For 60 years, points were awarded to only the top 10 performances on a PGA Tour that did not include players from Fiji to Australia, from South Africa to South Korea. Azinger wanted the criteria based on money, the universal language in golf.

It was Azinger who got the Americans to play like a team, unlocking the secret to recent European dominance.

Even without the best player in the world — Tiger Woods' only involvement was text messaging Azinger — and a team comprised of six rookies and three veterans who knew nothing but losing in the Ryder Cup, his messages got through.

Enjoy the week. Embrace the crowd support. Forget recent history.

Trailing early in all four matches when the Ryder Cup began Friday morning, the Americans didn't panic and wound up taking a 3-1 lead for their first opening-session victory since 1991.

Europe never caught up.

"It was a dream start for them," said Ian Poulter, who lost a 3-up lead that morning in what turned out to be his only loss of the week. "They've always left it to the singles to press on. That was crucial to be that far in front after Friday and Saturday."

By Sunday, the swagger returned.