Features

US look short of experience

Author: John Harris
Date: 06/03/2010
Golf betting

United States captain Corey Pavin has certainly gone for experience when it comes to picking his assistants for this year's Ryder Cup.

Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Jeff Sluman and Paul Goydos will all help the first-time captain before, during and after the clash with Europe at Celtic Manor.

"They will bring experience, proven ability under pressure in major championships and Ryder Cups, and a fresh perspective in how to help bond this team for the challenges that we will face in Wales," explained Pavin.

But after a glance down the US Ryder Cup Points List it is perhaps no surprise that Pavin is looking for as much experience as he can muster.

The top eight on the list all earn automatic qualification for the matches in Wales and the current ensemble will hardly strike fear into the hearts of their European opponents.

With world number one Tiger Woods potentially out of the picture, if the American team were selected today then three of the eight automatic selections would by Ryder Cup rookies.

Dustin Johnson (second), Lucas Glover (third) and Ben Crane (seventh) have never experienced the unique atmosphere of the biennial team competition.

Granted there are some tried and trusted players in Phil Mickelson (sixth), Stewart Cink (fourth) and Steve Stricker (first) bolstering the ranks, but at this early stage there must be some concern for Pavin.

Will the US retain the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor? - Latest Golf Betting

The online betting markets make the US underdogs to retain the cup they won in such devastating fashion under the canny leadership of Paul Azinger at Valhalla two years ago.

But perhaps Pavin's biggest fear could be the lack of strength in depth on the American golf scene.

Occupying positions between 10 and 20 on the points list are the likes of untested talents Ryan Palmer, Matt Kuchar, Bill Haas, Ricky Barnes, Sean O'Hair and Brandt Snedeker.

Meanwhile, it appears that plenty of stars are on the wane as several members of that successful 2008 side are well down the pecking order.

Jim Furyk is 27th on the standings, Justin Leonard is 49th while Boo Weekley in 60th and Ben Curtis at 64 are all shadows of their recent former selves.

Then there is Anthony Kim languishing down in 41st place despite being a feisty competitor on his Ryder Cup debut two years ago.

Pavin will be hoping several of these established names can rediscover their best form as the season progresses.

With a potential lack of experience on his hands then his four wildcard picks could make or break his captaincy.

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