It has been announced, Paul Ainger will not return as the U.S. team captain for the 2010 Ryder Cup to be played in Wales.
Azinger told the Associated Press last Monday “It ain’t gonna be me, I am not the captain” Sounds like a disappointed and discouraged Azinger is you ask me.
The announcement comes as a surprise as Azinger lead the American team the their first win in a decade. Labeled as Captain American during the event, Azinger was an innovative captain. When handed control of the team he made immediate plans to make changes. Starting with the player selection process, He approached the PGA and persuaded the board to change the qualification process. Set exclusively on money earnings with more weight on the four majors. Azinger also chose a record high four captain’s picks.
Upon arrival at Valhalla, Azinger divided the team by personality traits into three pods. The three groups played and practiced together including matches. Even without an ailing Tiger Woods, the American team won by a decisive margin in a 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 victory.
Azinger proved his worth and most believe he deserved to be the 2010 captain. He went above and beyond his expectations which payed off. Truth is, maost American team players such as: Phil Mickelson and Justin Leonard have been lobbying for Azinger to return. Lobbying or not, Azinger is out and Corey Pavin is sitting in 2010 Ryder Cup captains chair
Corey Pavin, a playing member of three U.S. Ryder Cup teams with a 8-5-0 overall record. Pavin becomes only the 26Th U.S. Ryder Cup captain. Pavin like Azinger has a brilliant resume. Pavin has 15 PGA tour victories including the 1995 U.S. Open. Although Azinger equally qualified would be a worth second selection, the Americans haven’t had the same captain since Ben Hogan in 1947 and 1949.
PGA of American president Jim Remy said “We have so many great players who have earned the right to be a Ryder Cup captain that we want to make sure that we support them and hopefully not leave any great player behind”
The decision sounds to be based more upon fairness opposed to production. A surprising choice considering we as Americans want to win more than we care about being fair. Although winning is important the PGA cares about the integrity of the game first.
Posted by Chris Burns 
