The Ryder Cup is one of the most celebrated traditions in golf today. Over its 77-year history, the Ryder Cup has become an event golf enthusiasts don’t want to miss. Fans visit different locations around the world every two years to see some of America and Europe’s best professional golfers face off in friendly, but intense, competitive matches. This year the PGA of America has revised the Ryder Cup points system, which determines the top eight players for the 2008 American Ryder Cup team. This change in structure will make it more difficult for American professionals to land a spot on the team. In addition, to a change in the points system, 2008 Ryder Cup American captain Paul Azinger now has four captain selections instead of the traditional two.
A Time of Change: 2008 Ryder Cup Qualification
The selection of the American Ryder Cup squad has always been a competitive and exciting process. The selection process will be even more interesting as the new points system is put into practice and American captain Paul Azinger makes his final four player selections. The new points system begins with golf’s four major championships: the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship. Players will receive one point for every $1000.00 they earn at these events. Beginning January 1, 2008 through August 11 potential players will receive one point for every $1000.00 earned in official events. The exceptions include 2008 major championships, during which potential players earn two points for every $1000.00, and events played opposite major championships and World Golf Championship events, in which potential team members earn a half point for every $1000.00. Since the 2006 points system was functioning until the new system was announced at the end of last year, all potential US players that finished in the top ten in all official events between August 11 and November 5, 2006 will be given a quarter point for every $1000.00 won.
Paul Azinger Leaves His Signature on the 2008 Ryder Cup
Azinger, the 2008 American captain, is partially responsible for the shift in the Ryder Cup qualification criteria. In November 2006 Doug Ferguson, a golf writer with the Associated Press, reported that Azinger had persuaded the PGA of America to revamp the points system and give him four captain’s picks. In his article, Ferguson quoted Azinger. "I'm going to get the blame if it doesn't work," Azinger stated to Ferguson, "I would like some of the credit if it does." The changes in the qualification process will make potential players work harder for selection and no one will be assured of a their place on the team until after the 2008 PGA Championship. Azinger will have until a week before the Ryder Cup to announce his four captain’s selections, unlike in previous years when the captain’s picks were announced right after the PGA Championship. "I like the idea of being able to pick four players," Azinger told the Associated Press on November 6. "I like the idea that I don't have to pick them immediately after the PGA Championship. I have an opportunity that no other Ryder Cup captain has had, and I really appreciate that," he continued.
The 2008 Ryder Cup: Creating New Traditions and Celebrating the Past
The 2008 Ryder Cup competition is scheduled for September 19-21, 2008 and will be held at the prestigious Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The Valhalla Golf Club has hosted two PGA Championships and one PGA Senior Championship. In the past the American team has dominated the Ryder Cup, but in recent history the European team has won consecutively and this year the American team hopes to reclaim the Ryder Cup, which they haven’t held since 1999. Captain Paul Azinger will be competing against one of Europe’s favorite golf professionals, European captain Nick Faldo. Faldo and Azinger have a history associated with the Ryder Cup. In 1993 they competed in one of the Ryder Cup’s most memorable matches. As official events take place throughout 2007 golf fans are sure to watch closely to see which players are racking up points under the new qualification system and eagerly await Azinger’s selections in 2008. For more information on Paul Azinger’s professional career or the history of the Ryder Cup visit http://www.PremierGolf.com.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Jim Ward
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