Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink, and Rickie Fowler

[hogans71]

[quote name='potuna' timestamp='1283915783' post='2684654']
Charlie got hosed, he should have the spot that went to Fowler.
[/quote]

How in God's name did he get hosed?

Argue all you want regarding Fowler's spot- I see the merits in that. But suggesting CH was in the running for a captain's spot is laughable at best. And I like the dude!

Before his win this past week, two of his THREE top tens were the week before and the week after The Open Championship- if I read correctly. Hardly the world's best in action...

[7humbs]

Corey's picks are definitely better than Monty's. How he left Casey and Rose off the team is beyond me - it absolutely weakened their team.

[cAsE sEnSiTiVe]

[quote name='hogans71' timestamp='1283954526' post='2685147']
[quote name='potuna' timestamp='1283915783' post='2684654']
Charlie got hosed, he should have the spot that went to Fowler.
[/quote]

How in God's name did he get hosed?

Argue all you want regarding Fowler's spot- I see the merits in that. But suggesting CH was in the running for a captain's spot is laughable at best. And I like the dude!

Before his win this past week, two of his THREE top tens were the week before and the week after The Open Championship- if I read correctly. Hardly the world's best in action...
[/quote]

I don't think Charley got hosed either, but you're really not making a strong case for Fowler over Hoffman, Hogan. Fowler's last Top ten was in early June....whereas, as you mentioned, Hoffman's recent play greatly overshadows Rickie's. Now...as a captain, you can either pick a hot hand, or you can go with someone who he HOPES can play better than he has been recently....based on his play earlier in the year. Given the choice between the two, I'd rather take a guy who appears to be peaking rather than regressing.

Just me....

I actually wouldn't have chosen either. I would have went with Ryan Palmer. But Ryan Palmer doesn't move the needle, nor does he dress like he just fell out of bed....and I surmise that this is all that matters.

Reminds me of a scene from 'Major League' after Ricky Vaughn had just threw 8 wild pitches in one inning....

[b]Indians Fan[/b]: I heard your news on the radio. You made their hall of shame.
[url="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000297/"][color="#003399"][b]Jake Taylor[/b][/color][/url]: Yeah, well you're a celebrity now, Vaughn
[b][url="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000221/"][color="#003399"]Rick Vaughn[/color][/url][/b]: I thought you had to do something good to be a celebrity.
[b][url="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000297/"][color="#003399"]Jake Taylor[/color][/url][/b]: [b]Not if you do it colorfully.
[/b]

[hogans71]

[quote name='cAsE sEnSiTiVe ' timestamp='1283959072' post='2685259']


I don't think Charley got hosed either, but you're really not making a strong case for Fowler over Hoffman, Hogan. Fowler's last Top ten was in early June....whereas, as you mentioned, Hoffman's recent play greatly overshadows Rickie's. Now...as a captain, you can either pick a hot hand, or you can go with someone who he HOPES can play better than he has been recently....based on his play earlier in the year. Given the choice between the two, I'd rather take a guy who appears to be peaking rather than regressing.

Just me....

I actually wouldn't have chosen either. I would have went with Ryan Palmer. But Ryan Palmer doesn't move the needle, nor does he dress like he just fell out of bed....and I surmise that this is all that matters.

Reminds me of a scene from 'Major League' after Ricky Vaughn had just threw 8 wild pitches in one inning....

[b]Indians Fan[/b]: I heard your news on the radio. You made their hall of shame.
[url="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000297/"][color="#003399"][b]Jake Taylor[/b][/color][/url]: Yeah, well you're a celebrity now, Vaughn
[b][url="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000221/"][color="#003399"]Rick Vaughn[/color][/url][/b]: I thought you had to do something good to be a celebrity.
[b][url="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000297/"][color="#003399"]Jake Taylor[/color][/url][/b]: [b]Not if you do it colorfully.
[/b]
[/quote]

I dont disagree with what you are saying and from the sounds of it, he picked RF because he had a "gut feeling" about the guy. Rightly or wrongly, I've got no problem with why he made the pick and the way in which he did so...

As I've said earlier, there was potentially a half dozen guys to choose from and each had positives in their own right. In my opinion, CH wasn't(shouldn't) be put in that conversation. Yes he won- and in crazy good fashion as well. But I sure hope one round should not be a deciding factor in an event such as this...

[Seniordude]

Tiger's tendency to lose concentration and miss short putts will help the Europeans.

[tElihu]

So to summarize:

Mahan should have been on the team.
Cink was picked because he plays well on links courses and (of course) they're playing in Europe.
Fowler was picked because he tweets with a couple of players, and Phil ("the PGA does what I say") Michelson said he'd like to play with him.
Tiger was picked because of tv ratings (you know, money).
Pavin's picks should have been long hitters Holmes, Couples, Garrigos and Sadlowski, so that the Yanks can overpower Celtic Manor for an easy win.
Fowler should not have even been considered since he dresses like a skate-park wannabe.
Zach makes pars, so he was a bad pick.
Pavin should have taken guys with more experience and success. Guys like Couples, Watson, Larry Nelson, Lanny Wadkins, Billy Casper...
The Champions and Nationwide tours should be represented on the American team somewhere.

Ok, carry on.

[rgk5]

[quote name='tElihu' timestamp='1283962469' post='2685343']
So to summarize:

Mahan should have been on the team.
Cink was picked because he plays well on links courses and (of course) they're playing in Europe.
Fowler was picked because he tweets with a couple of players, and Phil ("the PGA does what I say") Michelson said he'd like to play with him.
Tiger was picked because of tv ratings (you know, money).
Pavin's picks should have been long hitters Holmes, Couples, Garrigos and Sadlowski, so that the Yanks can overpower Celtic Manor for an easy win.
Fowler should not have even been considered since he dresses like a skate-park wannabe.
Zach makes pars, so he was a bad pick.
Pavin should have taken guys with more experience and success. Guys like Couples, Watson, Larry Nelson, Lanny Wadkins, Billy Casper...
The Champions and Nationwide tours should be represented on the American team somewhere.

Ok, carry on.
[/quote]Take a course in geography and demographics. Sadlowski is Canadian and ineligible. Fowler dresses as he likes as I imagine you do, however dull that might be. Couple's back would seize in the cold weather.

Maybe if he was still with us, you would have suggested Byron Nelson.

[jzatl04]

[quote name='tElihu' timestamp='1283962469' post='2685343']
So to summarize:

Mahan should have been on the team.
Cink was picked because he plays well on links courses and (of course) they're playing in Europe.
Fowler was picked because he tweets with a couple of players, and Phil ("the PGA does what I say") Michelson said he'd like to play with him.
Tiger was picked because of tv ratings (you know, money).
Pavin's picks should have been long hitters Holmes, Couples, Garrigos and Sadlowski, so that the Yanks can overpower Celtic Manor for an easy win.
Fowler should not have even been considered since he dresses like a skate-park wannabe.
Zach makes pars, so he was a bad pick.
Pavin should have taken guys with more experience and success. Guys like Couples, Watson, Larry Nelson, Lanny Wadkins, Billy Casper...
The Champions and Nationwide tours should be represented on the American team somewhere.

Ok, carry on.
[/quote]

Your forgot:

Charley Hoffman should have been picked on the basis of one (albeit fantastic) round of golf.

[matpatsheehy]

Can someone please explain the "hot hand" theory and how this plays out on the golf course?

We are not talking basketball here where you keep feeding the hot shooter from one quarter to the next because he is feeling it.

Since we are on the hot hand theory, I would like to blow all you "hot hand" theory guys out of the water. Using this theory, when Ray Allen set an NBA finals record for three point makes he should have continued this hot streak into the subsequent games because he was under the "hot hand" theory. Did he? Nope.

So why do we think that Charley Hoffman would continue to shoot 61s or 62s in three weeks across the pond and be such a better pick? hell, Pavin should have selected Heath Slocum because he got hot around this time last year and therefore would be a great pick.

I think Pavin probably did a great job of picking players he thought would mesh well with the team that qualified on points and create the right amount of comraderie. Clearly some players indicated they would like to play with Fowler. This would speak volumes to me as a captain. These are world class players and clearly they felt that Rickie would be a great addition to the team.

Seriously, we all know that a golfer can get in the zone and appear all world one day and then s*** the bed the next.

[Bellyhungry]

Pavin also needs to pair 3 of them together because apparently it worked last time.

[PennsyltuckyMike]

I agree that fowler is the most controversial pick. But if you consider him for the ability to add a spark or other chemisty reasons, I get it. I know it'll be fun no matter what.

[laxbc101]

[quote name='rgk5' timestamp='1283964336' post='2685391']
[quote name='tElihu' timestamp='1283962469' post='2685343']
So to summarize:

Mahan should have been on the team.
Cink was picked because he plays well on links courses and (of course) they're playing in Europe.
Fowler was picked because he tweets with a couple of players, and Phil ("the PGA does what I say") Michelson said he'd like to play with him.
Tiger was picked because of tv ratings (you know, money).
Pavin's picks should have been long hitters Holmes, Couples, Garrigos and Sadlowski, so that the Yanks can overpower Celtic Manor for an easy win.
Fowler should not have even been considered since he dresses like a skate-park wannabe.
Zach makes pars, so he was a bad pick.
Pavin should have taken guys with more experience and success. Guys like Couples, Watson, Larry Nelson, Lanny Wadkins, Billy Casper...
The Champions and Nationwide tours should be represented on the American team somewhere.

Ok, carry on.
[/quote]Take a course in geography and demographics. Sadlowski is Canadian and ineligible. Fowler dresses as he likes as I imagine you do, however dull that might be. Couple's back would seize in the cold weather.

Maybe if he was still with us, you would have suggested Byron Nelson.
[/quote]


MAHAN IS ON THE TEAM !!!! why dont you people know that already? He was 2nd in points

[tElihu]

[size="3"]I was being sarcastic, and I assumed it was obvious.[/size]

(Obviously it was not.)

[papabud]

[quote name='mikpga' timestamp='1283873061' post='2683202']
I like the Fowler and Johnson pick...

A bit "iffy" with the Woods and Cink pick though...

I just don't understand picking Woods?

He's never been that good in past Ryder Cups, and now he's struggling more than ever in his career, and he picks him?

Don't get it...

Oh well, I'm not the captain!
[/quote]

FINALLY! Somebody with good sense. Woods stink in the Ryder Cup. I was hoping Pavin wouldn't pick him. He really doesn't care about the Ryder Cup. He was questioned one time about his RC record and his response was "what was Jack's Ryder Cup record?" Press couldn't answer. That told me his focus was on the majors not the Ryder Cup. I'll bet he's the weak link.

[BetweenTheEars]

[quote name='papabud' timestamp='1283981698' post='2685903']
FINALLY! Somebody with good sense. Woods stink in the Ryder Cup. I was hoping Pavin wouldn't pick him. He really doesn't care about the Ryder Cup. He was questioned one time about his RC record and his response was "what was Jack's Ryder Cup record?" Press couldn't answer. That told me his focus was on the majors not the Ryder Cup. I'll bet he's the weak link.
[/quote]

None of the pros are "focused" on the Ryder cup. The Ryder cup is akin to an All-Star game in any other sport. I even heard/read recently where Jack himself said the Ryder cup was never a big deal to him. Majors are where players put the majority of their focus and for good reason.

Yes the Ryder cup is fun to watch and yes I am sure it's fun to play in, but I'm sure anyone here will agree that regardless of win or loss the US or Euro players won't be beating themselves up 6 months from now, because they didn't go home with the trophy.

[mackepa]

tiger was a horrible pick

[Cornbread]

Its big business. Each major Golf Manufacturer is represented and Pavin was encouraged to insure that.
Picks aren't made on records and stats. People need to realize this is all about the money,

[rtlltj]

Part of the Ryder Cup is getting hype for the Ryder Cup. You have to pick him.

[JCLJorgenson]

[quote name='mackepa' timestamp='1283986487' post='2686037']
tiger was a horrible pick
[/quote]
Yeah, why would you want the #1 golfer IN THE WORLD on your team? Let's be honest, he hasn't been himself lately, but he can still play and people want to watch him. Now that he is divorced, he seems to be coming around a little.

He is finally allowed to get some action again.

[bscinstnct]

[quote name='mackepa' timestamp='1283986487' post='2686037']
tiger was a horrible pick
[/quote]

You'll be watching every move he makes.

USA!



The team is set, let's see if these guys can get pumped and close.

[Tee_Party]

US squad has 3 US Amateur champs: Kuchar, Mickelson, Woods.

That's where your leadership in match play comes from.

[spacecowboy]

I think the pics are fine, in fact, I think that no matter who he picked they would be fine. These guys earn points throughout the season while playing medal play events mostly in the U.S. Most might play one match play event in a year, other than casual rounds. Success at one is not a guarantee of success at another. The Euro team has been full of guys that the casual fan never even heard of in years past, and has done quite well. heck, look at Sergio Garcia, he has made a career out of the Ryder Cup (and choking, and spitting in cups, and the yips, and...)

[mackepa]

tiger does not have a very good ryder cup record and he's having the worst year of his professional career. why in the world does it make sense to have him on the team? everyone is looking at it as what he's done in his career and not what he's DOING right now. he doesn't have the game right now to help the team win. i'm just stating my opinion. im not trying to make him look bad or anything i just disagree with the pick but hey, im not the captain for a reason...

[BetweenTheEars]

[quote name='mackepa' timestamp='1283992140' post='2686205']
tiger does not have a very good ryder cup record and he's having the worst year of his professional career. why in the world does it make sense to have him on the team? everyone is looking at it as what he's done in his career and not what he's DOING right now. he doesn't have the game right now to help the team win. i'm just stating my opinion. im not trying to make him look bad or anything i just disagree with the pick but hey, im not the captain for a reason...
[/quote]

It's funny that you should mention what Tiger is doing right now, because right now he's playing better than [b]Phil[/b], Bubba, Rickie, and most of the other players on the 2010 US Ryder cup team...

[oNe16tH]

Dump Cink 100%....Mahan or JB would be much better picks

[tElihu]

[quote name='oNe16tH' timestamp='1283992633' post='2686222']
Dump Cink 100%....Mahan or JB would be much better picks
[/quote]

[1overpar]

Cink and Harrington were kind of similar picks in regards of their past experiences and success. But they do not deserves to be selected this year. It's not like if there was no other VERY good options on both squads ??????

Woods will come back but is he ready yet, I am not sure about that. His confidence level and killer instinct really needed in those competitions seems not at the level we know and this could affect the team one also. I still can understand really well is selection though.

Fowler is not the strongest choice also but the kid has great potential, lets see what game he'll bring!
Not making room for O'Hair on the US Team is a big surprise to me also and a mistake. What about Watney and Holmes also ???? Looks like Pavin could have made his selections last year, perhaps that's what he did!!!!!

On Team Europe side, Casey and Rose out is a shame.

That being said. We will have a very strong field out there and it will be great fun to watch.

[golow]

If one more American posts that Mahan should be on the team .... I'm going to hurt myself. You make me so so sad

golow(TM)

[aussiehack]

Would have picked JB Holmes instead of Cink.

[approach11]

[quote name='CasualLie' timestamp='1283898440' post='2684065']
Why is everyone so down on Cink? I'm not Cink fan, but I at least know he has won plenty in match play.

2010 Accenture, def E. Molinari 2 up to start, won 4 matches before getting drummed by Paul Casey who is not on the Euro Team!

2009 Accenture, def Westwood, Mickelson, and Els before losing to eventual champ Ogilvy. BTW, guess who was in the final that year and not on the Euro Team? That's right, Casey!

2008 Accenture, def Jimenez, Harrington, Monty, Cabrera and Leonard before getting drummed by Tiger in the final. (and Casey won three matches).

Seems to be not too bad of a pick for Pavin, but really it's Monty who made the stupid decision to leave Casey off the team.
[/quote]


CasualLie for the win. Cink will not disappoint. Don't think the 2009 Open playoff vs. Watson was a HUGE pressure cooker?

And, Zach Johnson has been playing very well lately. IMO, he's the equal of Luke Donald, one of Europe's better players. If Woods and Mickelson bring their B+, A- games, the matchup on paper is even. I give Europe the slight edge due to "home" course advantage.