U.S. revamps Ryder Cup selection process

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The PGA of America has revamped the way U.S. Ryder Cup teams are selected, focusing on major tournament success and money won.

The changes come in the wake of U.S. losses in five of the last six international competitions. The United States lost each of the last two Ryder Cups by 18 1/2-9 1/2 scores, some of the most lopsided scores in the history of the competition.

Paul Azinger was announced Monday as the captain for the 2008 U.S. team, will make four at-large selections, two more than previously.

U.S. golfers previously built up Ryder Cup team points over a 2-year period but the only points allowed from 2007 will be at the four major championships with players who make the cut getting one point for each $1,000 in prize money won. In 2008, points will be awarded on a sliding scale, with the majors worth two points per $1,000 earned and most other events one point per $1,000.

"My eyes glaze over when I see $1,000 equals one point," Azinger said. "We're using a point system but we're going off the money list, essentially."