Ryder Cup 2010: USA Team

Here are the 2010 Ryder Cup USA Team player profiles:

USA Ryder Cup Team 2010 in the flesh

USA Team:
CAPTAIN:
Corey Pavin

VICE-CAPTAINS:
Tom Lehman
Davis Love III
Jeff Sluman
Paul Goydos

Players:
PHIL MICKELSON

AGE: 40
WORLD RANKING: 2
RYDER CUP CAPS: 7
RECORD: W10 H6 L14
BEST PAIRING: JOHNSON

The Masters champion has an inauspicious record in this event, with 14 defeats, but in light of Tiger Woods’s ‘decline’ he assumes the role of main man. Blessed with a lethal short game.

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HUNTER MAHAN

AGE: 28
WORLD RANKING: 14
CAPS: 1
RECORD: W2 H3 L0
BEST PAIRING: Z JOHNSON

Seeking to build on an impressive debut in 2008, the Texan looks dangerous after two victories this season. A model of consistency, he is known for his low ball flight and almost unerring accuracy.

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BUBBA WATSON

AGE: 31
WORLD RANKING: 24
CAPS: 0
BEST PAIRING: FOWLER

The disappointment of losing the US PGA in a play-off against Europe’s Martin Kaymer was tempered by winning his first Ryder Cup cap. Certain to please crowds, he is officially the longest hitter in the world.

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JIM FURYK

AGE: 40
WORLD RANKING: 5
CAPS: 6
RECORD: W8 H3 L13
BEST PAIRING: CINK

Fourth in the US earnings list, the consummate all-rounder has enjoyed a typically unspectacular but lucrative season. Second to Phil Mickelson as the US’s most experienced hand.

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STEVE STRICKER

AGE: 43
WORLD RANKING: 4
CAPS: 1
RECORD: W0 H1 L2
BEST PAIRING: WOODS

Unknown to the general sports fan despite being the world No 4, he owes his late blossoming to a prodigious work ethic. Has yet to win against Europe but can intimidate with his metronomic putting.

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DUSTIN JOHNSON

AGE: 26
WORLD RANKING: 12
CAPS: 0
BEST PAIRING: MICKELSON

This fearsome hitter rivals Phil Mickelson as their most popular player. Gained public sympathy for his final-round 82 when leading the US Open and for his mature response to disqualification at the US PGA.

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JEFF OVERTON

AGE: 27
WORLD RANKING: 48
CAPS: 0
BEST PAIRING: KUCHAR

With no wins on the Tour this year, he appears to be the side’s makeweight. He did well to qualify but would be fortunate to make more than a Sunday singles appearance. Has an oddly casual manner of playing.

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MATT KUCHAR

AGE: 32
WORLD RANKING: 11
CAPS: 0
BEST PAIRING: OVERTON

In a breakthrough season, he has cultivated a nice-guy image. He has recorded a slew of top-10 finishes, finally making good on a stellar amateur career. Another frighteningly long striker of a ball.

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TIGER WOODS

AGE: 34
WORLD RANKING: 1
CAPS: 5
RECORD: W10 H2 L13
BEST PAIRING: STRICKER

Did anyone doubt he would be here? Perhaps he did, as his game imploded. His wild card was the best news for the Ryder Cup as a spectacle; unbeaten in singles since 1997, despite a poor foursomes record.

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ZACH JOHNSON

AGE: 34
WORLD RANKING: 19
CAPS: 1
RECORD: W1 H1 L2
BEST PAIRING: MAHAN

Was always a shoo-in for a wild card, being a player in captain Corey Pavin’s own image, with relatively short distances off the tee but superb putting control. Will play the tub-thumping patriot card strongly.

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STEWART CINK

AGE: 37
WORLD RANKING: 35
CAPS: 4
RECORD: W4 H4 L7
BEST PAIRING: FURYK

A wild card for the third time in three matches, he has been chosen mainly for Ryder Cup familiarity. But he has had no top-five finishes in majors since winning the Open last year.

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RICKIE FOWLER

AGE: 21
WORLD RANKING: 33
CAPS: 0
BEST PAIRING: WATSON

Looks more like a skateboarder and favours wearing his college colours of bright orange. Pavin claimed to have made him a pick because of “gut feeling” – perhaps due to his seven Walker Cup wins in eight as an amateur.