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Azinger named US Ryder Cup skipper

06/11/2006

Paul Azinger has been confirmed as the new man charged with turning around the US Ryder Cup team's ailing fortunes in the 2008 Valhalla match in Louisville, Kentucky.

The 46-year-old one-time major winner succeeds Tom Lehmann who watched helplessly as his side lost by a record-equalling margin to a European side led by Ian Woosnam at the K Club in Ireland in September.

Azinger has played in four Ryder Cups, in 1989, 1991, 1993 and 2002, the latter of which he provided one of the iconic shots of the competition as he aggressively 'high-fived' his caddy after holing out from a bunker on the 18th at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield.

This was the start of three successive victories for Europe, however, and Azinger is determined to rectify this trend.

"We're tired of getting beaten and I want players who are red-hot if I can find them," said Azinger, whose first step has been to alter the qualification process for the 2008 team.

"I think it's the greatest honour you can bestow on a professional. I am awe-struck by it and really, really appreciate the opportunity."

Azinger's appointment has been applauded by Nick Faldo, who will be Europe's skipper for the Valhalla match in two years' time.

"I think it's very good for both of us," Faldo said. "We've been able to build up a bit of a relationship over the last couple of years.

"I'm sure we will have our moments as Ryder Cup captains because we are both hotheads and we're going to have to lock horns over some issues to protect our teams.

"But I'm sure, in the big picture of the Ryder Cup, we will bring to it a bit of fun and a bit of entertainment as well. And why not? Clearly it's a very serious event and we all know what our goals are. But it's equally important that everybody has a great experience from being a Ryder Cup player."

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