Pavin to coach 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team

NEW YORK, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Corey Pavin was named captain of the 2001 U.S. Ryder Cup team, replacing Paul Azinger, who led the Americans to their first Ryder Cup golf title since 1999.

Pavin is a 15-time winner on the PGA Tour, including the 1995 U.S. Open. He played in three Ryder Cups, going 8-5-0 in his matches in the 1991-95 competitions. The United States won two of those three events.

The U.S. wins in 1991-93 marked the last time the Americans won back-to-back Ryder Cups, which are contested every two years.

"I've been waiting for this day," said Pavin. "I can't even begin to describe how happy we are to be a part of this fantastic event. It's an honor and privilege to represent America."

It was rumored Azinger might be asked to coach the U.S. team in 2010, when the Ryder Cup will be played in Wales, after the rousing, emotional 16 1/2-11 1/2 victory he led the team to in 2008. But the United States hasn't kept the same captain since Ben Hogan led the team in 1947-49 and stayed with that tradition.

The European team hasn't selected a captain for 2010. Nick Faldo led the Europeans in 2008.