BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – When he successfully pushed to have the qualifying standards changed for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, current American captain Paul Azinger figured four captain's picks would be better than two.
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LAST CHANCE
The top eight players in the Ryder Cup points standings after this week's PGA Championship automatically qualify for the U.S. team that will face Europe next month. Captain Paul Azinger will announce the remainding four members of the team Sept. 2.
 1. Stewart Cink 4,952.665
2. Phil Mickelson 4,880.000
3. Kenny Perry 4,480.700
4. Jim Furyk 4,328.792
5. Anthony Kim 4,003.796
6. Justin Leonard 3,348.524
7. Boo Weekley 2,627.295
8. Steve Stricker 2,603.168
9. Woody Austin 2,422.983
10. Hunter Mahan 2,304.517
11. D.J. Trahan 2,294.916
12. Rocco Mediate 2,246.060
13. Sean O'Hair 2,205.172
14. Zach Johnson 2,184.508
15. Brandt Snedeker 2,134.887
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His rationale? Fewer people to disappoint when selection time comes.
Now that the moment of truth is near, Azinger's not so sure about the logic.
“It's actually becoming difficult,” he said yesterday at Oakland Hills on the eve of the 90th PGA Championship.
Don't get him wrong. He's pleased with the changes. He believes they'll make for a stronger American squad as it tries to end Europe's three-match win streak Sept. 19-21 at Valhalla in Louisville, Ky.
But four captain's picks actually adds up to many more emotions to weigh. It can give more players a feeling they've got a shot.
Heading into the PGA, six players have locked up positions on the 12-man U.S. squad: Stewart Cink, Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Justin Leonard, Phil Mickelson and Kenny Perry.
The final two automatic qualifiers will be decided at the conclusion of the PGA, which is worth double points.
In a change from the past, Azinger will then watch three more weeks of PGA Tour play before announcing his captain's picks Sept. 2.
There is a lot of room for movement. Boo Weekley is No. 7 and Steve Stricker No. 8, and they may need strong weeks at the PGA to maintain their automatic positions.
Those pushing them in the next eight: Woody Austin, Hunter Mahan, D.J. Trahan, Rocco Mediate, Sean O'Hair, Zach Johnson, Brandt Snedeker and J.B. Holmes.
Coming off his PGA runner-up finish to Tiger Woods last year, Austin is in the best position to push into the top eight, and would love to do so after a breakout experience in the Presidents Cup last year. But he has the same dilemma every prospect has: Trying to make the team without trying too hard.
“I've put a lot of pressure on myself here the last month and a half trying to get that last spot,” Austin said. “I don't want to put the pressure on 'Zinger to have to pick me.”
European captain Nick Faldo is in a more puzzling position than Azinger, with only two captain's picks to make. Ryder Cup stalwarts Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia are not in the automatic top 10. Neither are two of England's best young players, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey.
Tod Leonard: (619) 293-1858; tod.leonard@uniontrib.com
