US capsules for Ryder Cup – Deutsche Bank Championship
NEW YORK (AP) -A capsule look at the United States team for the Ryder Cup, listed in order of making the team, followed by four captain's picks. The Ryder Cup will be played Sept. 19-21 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky.
PHIL MICKELSON
Age: 38.
World ranking: 2
Ryder Cup teams: 6
Ryder Cup record: 9-12-4
2008 victories: Northern Trust Open, Crowne Plaza Colonial.
Backspin: Has not won a singles match since 1999. With Tiger Woods out, he'll be the highest-ranked player on the U.S. team for the first time.
STEWART CINK
Age: 35.
World ranking: 8
Ryder Cup teams: 3
Ryder Cup record: 3-5-4
2008 victories: Travelers Championship
Backspin: Perhaps the most reliable U.S. players during the last two blowouts. Unbeaten in alternate shot.
KENNY PERRY
Age: 48
World ranking: 17
Ryder Cup teams: 1
Ryder Cup record: 0-2-0
2008 victories: Memorial, Buick Open, John Deere Classic.
Backspin: Made the Ryder Cup is only priority this year, saying this will make or break his career. Played only one round in the four majors this year.
JIM FURYK
Age: 38.
World ranking: 13
Ryder Cup teams: 5
Ryder Cup record: 6-12-2
2008 victories: None.
Backspin: Highest-ranked player without a victory this year. Has a 3-1-1 record in singles. Has had 10 partners in his five Ryder Cups.
ANTHONY KIM
Age: 23
World ranking: 15
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0
2008 victories: Wachovia Championship, AT&T National.
Backspin: Best young American player, winning at Quail Hollow and Congressional. Played on winning Walker Cup team in 2005. Likely partner for Mickelson.
JUSTIN LEONARD
Age: 36
World ranking: 23
Ryder Cup teams: 2
Ryder Cup record: 0-3-5
2008 victories: Stanford St. Jude Championship.
Backspin: First Ryder Cup since his 45-foot putt at Brookline to clinch victory, the last by an American team. Has never won a Ryder Cup match.
BEN CURTIS
Age: 31
World ranking: 33
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0
2008 victories: None
Backspin: Made the team with his runner-up finish at the PGA Championship. The most consistent U.S. player over the last two months.
BOO WEEKLEY
Age: 35
World ranking: 35
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0
2008 victories: MCI Heritage.
Backspin: Pure ball-striker, shaky as a putter, entertaining in press conference. Teamed with Heath Slocum to finish second in the World Cup last year in China.
STEVE STRICKER
Age: 41
World ranking: 9
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0
2008 victories: None
Backspin: Highest-ranked player to be a captain's pick. Went 3-2-0 at the Presidents Cup last year. Best putter on the U.S. team.
J.B. HOLMES
Age: 26
World ranking: 55
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0
2008 victories: FBR Open
Backspin: Chosen for his power off the tee, and knows Valhalla better than any other player. Nearly beat Tiger Woods in the first round of Accenture Match Play Championship.
HUNTER MAHAN
Age: 26
World ranking: 37
Ryder Cup teams: Rookie
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0
2008 victories: None
Backspin: Made headlines for critical comments about the largesse of the Ryder Cup. Can get hot at the drop of a putt. Went 2-3-0 at the Presidents Cup last year.
CHAD CAMPBELL
Age: 34
World ranking: 53
Ryder Cup teams: 2
Ryder Cup record: 1-3-2
2008 victories: None
Backspin: Wife expecting their first child two weeks before Ryder Cup. Has played four team matches with four partners in previous two Ryder Cups.
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