| The Ryder Cup is one of the most celebrated | | | | responsible for the shift in the Ryder Cup qualification |
| traditions in golf today. Over its 77-year history, the | | | | criteria. In November 2006 Doug Ferguson, a golf |
| Ryder Cup has become an event golf enthusiasts | | | | writer with the Associated Press, reported that |
| don't want to miss. Fans visit different locations around | | | | Azinger had persuaded the PGA of America to |
| the world every two years to see some of America | | | | revamp the points system and give him four captain's |
| and Europe's best professional golfers face off in | | | | picks. In his article, Ferguson quoted Azinger. "I'm going |
| friendly, but intense, competitive matches. This year the | | | | to get the blame if it doesn't work," Azinger stated to |
| PGA of America has revised the Ryder Cup points | | | | Ferguson, "I would like some of the credit if it does." |
| system, which determines the top eight players for the | | | | The changes in the qualification process will make |
| 2008 American Ryder Cup team. This change in | | | | potential players work harder for selection and no one |
| structure will make it more difficult for American | | | | will be assured of a their place on the team until after |
| professionals to land a spot on the team. In addition, to | | | | the 2008 PGA Championship. Azinger will have until a |
| a change in the points system, 2008 Ryder Cup | | | | week before the Ryder Cup to announce his four |
| American captain Paul Azinger now has four captain | | | | captain's selections, unlike in previous years when the |
| selections instead of the traditional two. | | | | captain's picks were announced right after the PGA |
| A Time of Change: 2008 Ryder Cup Qualification | | | | Championship. "I like the idea of being able to pick four |
| The selection of the American Ryder Cup squad has | | | | players," Azinger told the Associated Press on |
| always been a competitive and exciting process. The | | | | November 6. "I like the idea that I don't have to pick |
| selection process will be even more interesting as the | | | | them immediately after the PGA Championship. I have |
| new points system is put into practice and American | | | | an opportunity that no other Ryder Cup captain has |
| captain Paul Azinger makes his final four player | | | | had, and I really appreciate that," he continued. |
| selections. The new points system begins with golf's | | | | The 2008 Ryder Cup: Creating New Traditions and |
| four major championships: the Masters, U.S. Open, | | | | Celebrating the Past |
| British Open and PGA Championship. Players will | | | | The 2008 Ryder Cup competition is scheduled for |
| receive one point for every $1000.00 they earn at | | | | September 19-21, 2008 and will be held at the |
| these events. Beginning January 1, 2008 through | | | | prestigious Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. |
| August 11 potential players will receive one point for | | | | The Valhalla Golf Club has hosted two PGA |
| every $1000.00 earned in official events. The | | | | Championships and one PGA Senior Championship. In |
| exceptions include 2008 major championships, during | | | | the past the American team has dominated the Ryder |
| which potential players earn two points for every | | | | Cup, but in recent history the European team has won |
| $1000.00, and events played opposite major | | | | consecutively and this year the American team hopes |
| championships and World Golf Championship events, in | | | | to reclaim the Ryder Cup, which they haven't held |
| which potential team members earn a half point for | | | | since 1999. Captain Paul Azinger will be competing |
| every $1000.00. Since the 2006 points system was | | | | against one of Europe's favorite golf professionals, |
| functioning until the new system was announced at the | | | | European captain Nick Faldo. Faldo and Azinger have |
| end of last year, all potential US players that finished in | | | | a history associated with the Ryder Cup. In 1993 they |
| the top ten in all official events between August 11 and | | | | competed in one of the Ryder Cup's most memorable |
| November 5, 2006 will be given a quarter point for | | | | matches. As official events take place throughout |
| every $1000.00 won. | | | | 2007 golf fans are sure to watch closely to see which |
| Paul Azinger Leaves His Signature on the 2008 Ryder | | | | players are racking up points under the new |
| Cup | | | | qualification system and eagerly await Azinger's |
| Azinger, the 2008 American captain, is partially | | | | selections in 2008. |
