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Miller Criticizes Azinger's Picks

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By WILL GRAVES

The Associated Press

Published: September 18, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Johnny Miller still thinks the U.S. will snap its losing streak to the Europeans, but the outspoken former PGA Tour star-turned-commentator isn't a fan of Paul Azinger's four captain's picks.

Miller called Azinger's selections of J.B. Holmes, Hunter Mahan, Steve Stricker and Chad Campbell "OK," but he would have traded Holmes for a more veteran player like Scott Verplank.

"I certainly wouldn't have gone with J.B. Holmes, I tell you that," Miller said.

Miller said he would have chosen Verplank, Rocco Mediate, Brandt Snedeker and 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson over Holmes and Campbell, but he allowed that his views are like arguing over favorite ice cream flavors.

Besides, for all the risk involved with picking lightly experienced players, Miller said the U.S. team's problems over the last 13 years have started at the top with Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

"The great play by Jim Furyk, Tiger and Phil has not been there," Miller said. "It's why the U.S. has done so poorly. Those three players have really played poorly in Ryder Cup play."

The trio has a combined record of 25-37-8, though Woods will be watching this year's Cup from home while he rehabilitates his surgically repaired left knee. That may be a good thing in Miller's eyes.

"Without Tiger there, it surely isn't going to be easy, but if you're a gambler or a statistician, you think, 'How can Europe keep making all these putts?'" Miller said. "It's time for the U.S. If you're a betting man, odds are putting is going to flip-flop in the U.S.'s direction."

JUNIOR SUCCESS: The Americans can only hope to follow the example set by their junior team.

The U.S. romped to a 22-2 victory against Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup on Tuesday, winning at The Club at Olde Stone in Bowling Green.

The Americans built on their opening-day success in the foursome and mixed four-ball matches, winning 11 of the 12 singles points and earning a halve in the final match.

Cory Whitsett of Houston won his match 6 and 5 over Matteo Manassero of Italy, and Jeffrey Kang of Fullerton, Calif., defeated Moritz Lampert of Germany 4 and 3.

"We wanted to play like the matches were zero-to-zero and just go out there and win as many matches as possible," Whitsett said.

Jeffrey Kang's singles point secured the victory for the U.S.

The Americans' only other victory came in 1997.

The Associated Press

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