I Wish Corey Had Chosen Charlie

I don’t envy Corey Pavin’s job of making his 4 captain’s picks for this years U.S. Ryder Cup Team. It’s got to be tough to make that final decision and, maybe even worse, calling those who were close but didn’t make it. From an emotional standpoint I was rooting for Charlie Hoffman after his terrific come-from-behind win at the Deutsche Bank. Based on who’s hot, he’s a shoe-in. I decided to look at some statistics to see if I could understand Corey’s thinking.

First, let’s deal with Tiger. Corey had no choice. If he hadn’t chosen him the ongoing media discussion would have overshadowed the competition itself. Every other comment would have been about Tiger. The Cup should not be overshadowed by a media circus. As far as Tiger’s actual ability at the moment, his game is coming around. You could really see it in Norton, Massachusetts. I expect good things at Cog Hill this week. And…Tiger may have more to prove at the Ryder Cup this year than anyone. A good showing puts him right where he wants to be for next year and would offer him no small amount of redemption for an otherwise troubled year.

Back to the numbers. If stats were the only consideration then Zach Johnson is my first pick. He and Steve Stricker are probably the steadiest players on tour. Zach’s also been there and that definitely counts. And let’s not forget he’s a terrific player year-in and year-out and has won at Augusta.

That leaves us with Cink and Fowler. Rickie is the kid, the young upstart and I can understand captains choosing his kind. You need that young energy and fearlessness and you’re hoping to build a base for future teams. He’s our first year Sergio Garcia.

That leaves us Stewart who’s best finish in 2010 was a T5 at the Accenture Match Play Championship early in the year. He hasn’t done a whole lot since. He’s been to the Ryder Cup 4 times and has a 4-7-4 record. The thing that stands out is the 4 losses. Corey himself went 8-5-0.

Looking at tour stats Charlie mostly loses to Stuart except in putts per round and proximity to the hole. For me, the decision comes down to the subjective issues. Charlie is hot, he’s never been to the Ryder Cup and I love his ‘almost quit golf until this comeback’ story. Stuart isn’t hot and he’s been to the Ryder Cup 4 times. Let someone else have some glory and embrace Azzinger’s idea that a late season hot streak can get you on the team. I’m sure golf purists won’t like my choice, but there’s more to sports than meets the eye. Sometimes the golf gods point the way and those who ignore them do so at their own peril.

Related posts:

1. Is Rickie Fowler The Right Ryder Cup Pick?
2. Tiger Deserves Spot on Ryder Cup Team
3. FedEx and Ryder Cup Notes
4. John Paul Newport on the Ryder Cup
5. Cure For The Ryder Cup

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