U.S. Ryder Cup Capsules
By Doug Ferguson
Associated Press
Web Posted: Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004; 11:52 a.m. EDT
A capsule look at the 12 players on the U.S. team for the 35th Ryder Cup matches, to be played Sept. 17-19 at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. (listed in order of how they made the team):
Tiger Woods
Age: 28.
World ranking: 2.
Career victories: 40.
Majors: Masters ('97, '01, '02), U.S. Open ('00, '02), British Open ('00), PGA Championship ('99, '00).
2004 victories: WGC-Match Play Championship.
Ryder Cup experience: 1997, 1999, 2002.
Ryder Cup record: 5-8-2.
Ryder Cup moment: Losing to former factory worker Costantino Rocca in '97 at Valderrama, his only singles loss in either the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup.
Backspin: No longer No. 1 in the world for the first time in five years. Enduring his worst season coming into an event where he rarely shines. His best Ryder Cup was two years ago The Belfry, where he went 2-2-1. Finding a partner - he already has had eight in only three trips - could be difficult, because few players can recover from places Woods has been hitting it.
Phil Mickelson
Age: 34.
World ranking: 4.
Career victories: 23.
Majors: Masters ('04).
2004 victories: Bob Hope Classic, Masters.
Ryder Cup experience: 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002.
Ryder Cup record: 8-5-3.
Ryder Cup moment: Losing to Phillip Price, ranked No. 119, at The Belfry in '02 that deflated American hopes of winning.
Backspin: Coming off a sensational season with Masters victory and a combined five shots back in the other three majors. Was considered the best American in the Ryder Cup, but now remembered as the guy who lost a crucial singles match that swung momentum in Europe's favor. Should again be the most reliable player.
Davis Love III
Age: 40.
World ranking: 5.
Career victories: 18.
Majors: PGA Championship ('04).
2004 victories: None.
Ryder Cup experience: 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002.
Ryder Cup record: 8-9-4.
Ryder Cup moment: Making clinching 6-foot putt on the 18th hole at The Belfry in 1993.
Backspin: Played well early, nearly winning Match Play and Honda Classic, but season has been spotty since then. Missed the cut in two majors, sneaked in the top 10 with a good final round in the other two. The most experienced American in this Ryder Cup, can be matched with just about anyone.
Jim Furyk
Age: 34.
World ranking: 10.
Career victories: 9.
Majors: U.S. Open (2003).
2004 victories: None.
Ryder Cup experience: 1997, 1999, 2002.
Ryder Cup record: 3-6-2.
Ryder Cup moment: Losing a 2-up lead with six holes to play to Paul McGinley, who halved the match with an 8-foot par to clinch the cup for Europe.
Backspin: Wasn't even sure he'd be at the Ryder Cup when he had wrist surgery in March. Recovered to play (and make the cut) in the U.S. Open, but missed the cut in the next two majors. His game is starting to peak, however, and Tiger Woods considers him the toughest player on the American squad.
Kenny Perry
Age: 44.
World ranking: 14.
Career victories: 7.
Majors: None.
2004 victories: None.
Ryder Cup experience: Rookie.
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0.
Ryder Cup moment: Big season in '03 all but assured his spot on the team.
Backspin: Went 4-1 at the Presidents Cup, including an emotional, see-saw win over Nick Price. Had a banner year in 2003, but game hasn't been sharp for most of 2004. One of four players in his 40s on the U.S. team. Big hitter who should do well at Oakland Hills.
David Toms
Age: 37.
World ranking: 22.
Career victories: 10.
Majors: PGA Championship ('01).
2004 victories: St. Jude Classic.
Ryder Cup experience: 2002.
Ryder Cup record: 3-1-1.
Ryder Cup moment: The best American at The Belfry, rallied to beat Sergio Garcia in singles.
Backspin: Another player whose Ryder Cup was in doubt because of wrist surgery, but he got his game in order with a victory at the St. Jude Classic. Starred in his first Ryder Cup experience, a combination of keeping the ball in play and making clutch putts. Played well at Firestone.
Chad Campbell
Age: 30.
World ranking: 15.
Career victories: 2.
Majors: None.
2004 victories: Bay Hill Invitational.
Ryder Cup experience: Rookie.
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0.
Ryder Cup moment: Made team with former UNLV roommate Chris Riley.
Backspin: At times looks like one of the best young Americans, shooting 62 to whip the field at the Tour Championship, finishing strong to win big at Bay Hill. But he has had trouble finishing off rounds, and missed the cut in the first three majors this year. Among purest ball-strikers, but putting comes and goes.
Chris DiMarco
Age: 35.
World ranking: 17.
Career victories: 3.
Majors: None.
2004 victories: None.
Ryder Cup experience: Rookie.
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0.
Ryder Cup moment: After blowing a big lead at the International, earned a spot on the team by getting into the playoff at the PGA Championship.
Backspin: A streaky player who will mix it up with anyone. In contention at the Masters twice, but has never been an intimidating presence on the back nine. Last victory was two years ago in Phoenix, despite blowing a four-shot lead in three holes. Will have to avoid peaking too early at Ryder Cup.
Fred Funk
Age: 47.
World ranking: 57.
Career victories: 5.
Majors: None.
2004 victories: None.
Ryder Cup experience: Rookie.
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0.
Ryder Cup moment: Ducking the British Open to try to get Ryder Cup points at the B.C. Open. Tied for 40th, but still made the team.
Backspin: Hreat way to cap off a remarkable career. Captain's pick for the Presidents Cup last year, where he went 1-2-1. Most accurate driver on tour, but also one of the shortest. Does not have the reputation as a great closer. Brings a refreshing attitude to the U.S. team. Likely will only play alternate-shot matches.
Chris Riley
Age: 30.
World ranking: 39.
Career victories: 1.
Majors: None.
2004 victories: None.
Ryder Cup experience: Rookie.
Ryder Cup record: 0-0-0.
Ryder Cup moment: Clinched spot on the team when Justin Leonard did not win PGA Championship.
Backspin: Most likable guy on the U.S. team, and one of its best putters. Driving and iron play comes and goes, but he expects to make everything inside 50 feet. Played junior golf matches with Tiger Woods, roomed at UNLV with Chad Campbell. Distracted in weeks before Ryder Cup with impending birth of first child.
Jay Haas
Age: 50.
World ranking: 23.
Career victories: 9.
Majors: None.
2004 victories: None.
Ryder Cup experience: 1983, 1995.
Ryder Cup record: 3-4-1.
Ryder Cup moment: Making bogey on the 18th hole at Oak Hill that enabled Europe to win the cup in 1995.
Backspin: The second-oldest player in Ryder Cup history behind Raymond Floyd in 1991. Resurgence began two years ago with help from putting guru Stan Utley, and he remains consistent off the tee and around the green. Brings stability to the U.S. team, although his failure to win in the past 11 years raises questions.
Stewart Cink
Age: 31.
World ranking: 12.
Career victories: 6.
Majors: None.
2004 victories: MCI Heritage, NEC Invitational.
Ryder Cup experience: 2002.
Ryder Cup record: 1-2-0.
Ryder Cup moment: Made only one birdie in a singles loss to Thomas Bjorn.
Backspin: Backed up his captain's pick by winning the NEC Invitational wire-to-wire, joining Mickelson as the only multiple winners on the U.S. team this year. Among the leaders in putting on tour, which is why Hal Sutton picked him. Steady all-around game, and has been playing as well as anyone among Americans.
© 2004 Associated Press |
