Azinger Now Issuing Non-Denial Denials

Steve Elling is the latest to try and find out where the Ryder Cup captain stands in his desire to head the 2010 U.S. effort.

Azinger was asked a half-dozen variations on the same question, and though the answers never much changed, he all but telegraphed his renewed interest in the position two years hence -- if not that the position is already in the pipeline.

"I'm not going to go there," Azinger said.

Which doesn't mean he won't be going to Wales in 2010, when the U.S. defends the Cup. The host PGA of America ought to lease the jet for his trip, like, yesterday.

Azinger, playing this weekend in the Del Webb Father/Son Challenge, openly gushed about the experience of leading the American team three months ago in Kentucky, but when it came time to discuss whether he might re-up, he was uncharacteristically mum.
"Anything regarding the future Ryder Cup captaincy needs to be directed to them," Azinger said. "I don't want to step on their toes."

Paul, do you dread those Champions Tour pro-ams that much?

Azinger Fired Up and Ready To Go!

After considering his offers (not too many) and touring the White House where 43 convinced him the job was as meaningful as the Presidency, Paul Azinger appears to have thrown his hat in the ring for the 2010 Ryder Cup captaincy. At least, judging by this comment reported by Tim Rosaforte.

"It would mean something to carry the flag [into Wales]," Azinger said, excited by the challenge.

Meanwhile, Jeff Rude says "PGA of America" has not popped up on Zinger's caller I.D. in some time and the job will likely be going to Corey Pavin.

"I'm looking next year to be back playing golf and that's why I cannot give an answer that soon."

Phil Casey reports that the debate over raising the European Tour minimum from 11 to 12 (Tim Finchem sends his thanks) has put the Ryder Cup captaincy debate on hold. However, the delay seems to not bode well for Ian Woosnam. This is from Thomas Bjorn, committee member:

"Because it's such a big thing, we may decide to do it later than January just to make sure that we make what we think is the right decision."

That would appear to increase the chances of Jose Maria Olazabal becoming captain at Celtic Manor in 2010. Olazabal was Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla and impressed the players with his passion.

Padraig Harrington revealed the Spaniard had the players in tears with a speech in the team room on Saturday evening. Immediately after the defeat in Kentucky, Olazabal said he wanted to get back to full fitness and try to play in two years' time, adding: "If they wanted a decision by the end of this year, I'm not going to be able to give them that.

"The scenario is that my condition is improving and I'm feeling better. I'm not 100 per cent pain-free, but I'm hoping that I might be able to play one or two events at the end of the year to see how the back holds up.

"I'm looking next year to be back playing golf and that's why I cannot give an answer that soon.

"When the time comes, McKenzie will have the fairways like slender ribbons around the 320 to 340-yard mark with a view to throwing the longer-hitting Americans."

Lewine Mair reports on the re-perfection of Celtic Manor, 2010 Ryder Cup site and where they already seem to know the makeup of the U.S. team.

Ross McMurray, the architect, yesterday admitted that he had already had conversations with the European Tour and Jim McKenzie, the course manager, about how it will be set up to the Europeans players' advantage.

When the time comes, McKenzie will have the fairways like slender ribbons around the 320 to 340-yard mark with a view to throwing the longer-hitting Americans.

Isn't that impressive? What soul, what integrity, what vision!

Again, he will be leaving the area around the greens so shorn that they will not be able to play any of their usual flop shots if they fail to find the target. Instead, they will have to do as the Europeans do in improvising with long putts and chip-and-runs from the swales which will swallow up anything even marginally off line.