Ryder Cup 2008 | Azinger picks Stricker, Mahan, Holmes and Campbell

Published: 02 September 2008 Last updated: 01 April 2014

USA Ryder Cup team captain Paul Azinger has made Steve Stricker, Hunter Mahan, JB Holmes and Chad Campbell his four picks for this September’s match-up in Valhalla.

Campbell, Zinger’s final pick, is the only one of the four with previous Ryder Cup experience, having played in 2004 and 2006, and is carrying some good form that has seen him climb back up the world rankings to number 53.

Stricker, the first pick named, had been widely expected to claim his place in the team. Despite going all season without a win, he has maintained his place in the world’s top 10 with top-10 finishes at The Open and two WGC events, including the Accenture World Matchplay.

Mahan’s inclusion may come as somewhat of a surprise after he made headlines with negative comments about the competition in July. The 26-year-old claimed players are “just a slave that week” and warned that it might reach a point where they refused to take part.

Finally, big-hitting JB Holmes will be a valuable addition to the team as the Kentucky native knows Valhalla like the back of his hand and is sure to apply plenty of pressure to his opponents off the tee.

Full American team:
Phil Mickelson
Stewart Cink
Kenny Perry
Jim Furyk
Anthony Kim
Justin Leonard
Ben Curtis
Boo Weekley
Steve Stricker
Hunter Mahan
JB Holmes
Chad Campbell

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