Paul Azinger Named Us Ryder Cup Captain for 2008

Paul Azinger has been confirmed as the US Ryder Cup captain for 2008. His appointment comes as little surprise - the 1993 US PGA champion had been touted as the successor to Tom Lehman for several weeks.

The news was welcomed by European Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo, who had a fractious relationship with Azinger during his playing days but has since worked with him over the last two years as an ABC television analyst.

"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," said Faldo. "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."

In a huge change to their selection procedure it was also announced that Azinger will have four wild cards for the event at Valhalla Golf Club from September 19-21. Lehman and his predecessors had only two. Also, points will not be awarded solely for top-10 finishes. The only counting events next year are the four majors - with one point for every 1,000 US dollars earned by those who make the cut - and in 2008 there will be the same at all regular events and two points at each of the majors.