[Sligo33]

The PGA should consider drawing 12 players out of a hat, excluding Woods and Mickelson from the pool. The U.S. might have a better chance of getting a team that is enthusiastic about playing and winning. Instead of posturing and whinning.

This opinion comes from first hand observation, at the K Club. Furyk and DiMarco carried thier playning partners around for two days. Tiger looked like he'ld would rather have been somewhere else. Phil looked like a man trying not to lose rather than a trying to win. His play was very indecisive.

Perhaps Azininger will have an advantage in addition to home field. He will not be faced with the decision to bench the best player in the world (galaxy), for lackluster play in foursomes and fourball matches. Other captians have failed to exercise or even consider this option.

Hopefully this years Ryder Cup will end the "Curse of the $". The U.S. Team has faired woefully since asking to be compensated for thier play in the Ryder Cup. I belive Mark O'Meara was very outspoken in his opinion that the players be compensated. The Euro's have sought no such monetary compensation. Representing thier respective countries, and recently thrashing highly overrated US teams, seems to be more than adequate reward for thier participation.

As a PGA of America member, I sincerely hope that the organization remembers Mr. O'Meara's leadership role in asking that players be compensated. If the PGA ever makes him a Capitain it would be a great mistake.

Almost as great an injustice as overlooking Larry Nelson as a Team Capitain. His quiet confidence and proven leadership as a player, and in service to his country, are qualities sorely missing from the US Team. See Yoda's post #20 in this thread for more details about a remarkable man. Well worth the read IMHO.