Paul Azinger Talks Ryder Cup With Morning Drive

Sep 28, 2014; Gleneagles, Perthshire, SCT; The American team stand for the National anthem at the trophy presentation on day three of the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Resort – PGA Centenary Course. Mandatory Credit: Ian Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Azinger made an appearance on the Golf Channel’s Morning Drive show on Wednesday, and talked Ryder Cup. As the last Ryder Cup Captain to log a win against the Euro’s in 2008, Azinger said it’s too soon to start making decisions on future Captains, and selection processes. He also refused to be part of the newly formed Ryder Cup Task Force at this time, saying basically, it may be a knee-jerk reaction to the recent loss at Gleneagles.

When asked if he would be interested in being the captain in 2016, he said:

"“I didn’t say no, I said, ‘Not yet,’” Azinger said. “I just think everything is going too fast. The worst thing you can do – and it is too soon – is to make that kind of decision with emotions involved. You don’t want to make decisions when you are angry, you don’t want to make decisions when you are sad. I think it would just be difficult.”"

One of the concerns the 54 year-old Azinger has at this point, is the amount of power the new task force will have, and who will be providing leadership within the group.

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"“I wish they would have waited until I was able to meet with them and talk with them before they announced the task force, but that is not how things worked out,” Azinger said. “I’m really excited that these guys are able to share their opinion."

Obviously, the success of the European model has to come into focus. Former, and potential Ryder Cup Captains are involved in the process for quite some time before they are appointed. By the time they take the reins, they know what, and how to do it.

Azinger has not been contacted by the PGA since his successful captaincy ended, and stated that repeat players have to re-adjust to a new system every two years, which causes a disconnect between the players, and the PGA.

"“You have to re-look at the way our captains are picked, how past captains are used and utilized, where future captains are placed,” Azinger said. “It is a business model the Europeans have in place.”"

The thing that impressed me about Paul Azinger is one thing I have said all along. Players have to make shots, and putts to win, the manage structure around them has to provide the proper environment where they can prosper.

"“He will create an environment,” he said. “(New England Patriots coach Bill) Belichick hasn’t ever made a tackle and he has never completed a pass but he has created an environment. And that environment really is about preparation.“In the end, it is not rocket science. It’s just golf.”"

We all have seen what the current system has done. I think it’s time to get someone like Paul Azinger involved, and let him develop a structure that can be used in the future to possibly bring a winning attitude to this organization.

We are not going to win every Ryder Cup, we were simply outmatched this year, but the loss at Medinah was one that shouldn’t have gotten away.

Source: PGATour.com

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