On this day in 2006: Paul Azinger named 2008 United States Ryder Cup captain
Paul Azinger was named United States Ryder Cup captain on this day in 2006 for the 2008 biennial event at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky.
Azinger faced a difficult task as captain, following their record-equalling defeat in Ireland in 2006 under previous captain Tom Lehman, their third successive Ryder Cup defeat.
Upon his appointment, America’s previous success was a comeback victory at Brookline in 1999.
Azinger won the 1993 PGA Championship at Inverness and had competed at four previous Ryder Cups, including the winning 1991 and 1993 US teams.
He suffered cancer in his shoulder following his most successful season in 1993 but fought back to secure a PGA Tour title in Hawaii seven years later.
Speaking at the time of his appointment, Azinger said, reported by the BBC: “It’s the greatest honour you can bestow on a professional golfer.”
At the 2008 Ryder Cup, the United States secured their first victory since 1999 with a 16.5-11.5 success over Europe.
The win was secured with four matches left on the course despite America being without world number one Tiger Woods through injury.
Azinger also changed the qualifying system for the tournament, having four wild card picks instead of two, and delayed his final team selection to allow players to find form.
Latest
-
PGA ChampionshipGraeme Storm recalls ‘surreal’ US PGA adventure after battle with Rory McIlroy
His famous victory over McIlroy came on the third extra hole in the 2017 South African Open in Johannesburg
-
PGA TourLee Kyoung-Hoon shoots his lowest round on the tour to retain Texas title
Dallas-born Jordan Spieth went close with a chip for eagle on the 18th which would have forced a play-off.
-
European TourSam Horsfield ‘so happy’ after winning Soudal Open to secure another title
Horsfield overcame overnight leader Ryan Fox in a thrilling final-round battle.
-
PGA ChampionshipJustin Rose still has drive to succeed as ‘exciting challenge’ of US PGA arrives
Rose won the US Open in 2013 and Olympic gold in Rio three years later, but has not tasted victory since February 2019.
-
PGA ChampionshipTiger Woods will expect to do better at US PGA Championship – Curtis Strange
Woods returned to top-level action after a long injury absence with a 47th-placed finished at the Masters.
-
PGA ChampionshipDefending champion Phil Mickelson withdraws from US PGA Championship
The six-time major winner has been taking a break from golf.
-
PGA TourEnglish rookie David Skinns shares lead in Texas
The 40-year-old from Lincoln shot a second-round 63 in the AT&T Byron Nelson.
-
PGA ChampionshipJordan Spieth looking for career grand slam at US PGA Championship
The presence or absence of defending champion Phil Mickelson which will dominate the conversation at Southern Hills.
-
PGA Championship5 contenders to win the US PGA Championship
Tiger Woods could contend for victory in Tulsa.
-
NewsWe’ve got your back – Greg Norman promises to defend players on breakaway tour
Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are among the professionals to have asked for the required release to play the first event at Centurion Club.