Ryder Cup Question #2: Were Azinger's Picks A Success?
by Ryan Ballengee
on Sep 22, 2008 11:28 AM EDT
Of course, Ian Poulter was simply dynamite for the Europeans. He had the most pressure on him of any Captain's Pick ever and he hit it out of the park. Were it not for Poulter, this could have been a 20-8 kind of match. He had that big of an impact.
But, how about the American picks - Stricker, Mahan, Holmes, and Campbell?
Mahan halved on Sunday against Paul Casey. Stricker was creamed by the player of the week, Ian Poulter. But Holmes and Campbell came up with big wins against great opponents. Holmes did so in a very tight match of contrasting styles.
Overall, Mahan netted 3.5 points for the Americans and was the MVP in that regard. Holmes was responsible for 2.5 and Campbell for 2.0. Stricker was the only player to struggle to earn 0.5, but his putting was incredible and timely throughout the weekend.
How would you rate (1) the performance of the picks and (2) the 4 pick system?
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top notch !
After all the badgering these guys had to put up with – being called “mediocre” by most of the mainstream media – how can you say that they were anythiing less than spectacular ? As it turned out – it took half a team of rookies to break the old fogies out of their losing ways.
Mickelson was about useless. Justin Leonard was completely energized playing with Mahan. Weekly and Holmes were amazing to watch. Campbell looked solid as a rock – unlike most of the last 2 years. (I still can’t figure out how Azinger managed to pick him out of the hat. Poor Steve Stricker played some great golf – but ran into a buzz saw on Friday and Sunday.
If Azinger didn’t have 4 picks, I doubt Holmes and Campbell would have been in contention for a spot on the team.
Campbell’s singles win came after the Cup had been clinched. It was a very good win, but didn’t affect the outcome.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
by courtgolf on Sep 22, 2008 12:04 PM EDT 0 recs
Campbell
There was much discussion about Campbell being picked by Azinger – part of the reason is buried in Campbell’s stats – go to PGATour.com, click on “players”, seek out the “"C” and click on it, find Campbell – click on STATS and see the driving, GIR, putts/GIR, total puuts and scoring average.
He’s well-rounded.
Don't worry, nothing will be allright.
by rcrusoe on Sep 22, 2008 12:49 PM EDT 0 recs
chemistry
I really hadn’t thought much about Campbell or Holmes, but they turned out to be great picks – I agree that Stricker got some tough matches and I don’t think his record accurately reflects his contribution to the team. Mahan and Leonard were great together and it was great to see his passion out there. And JB and Boo seemed like a perfect combo. Overall the picks were terrific. It was fun to see the chemistry on the course..and a win for the USA!
by red tees on Sep 22, 2008 2:46 PM EDT 0 recs
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