Azinger tipped to retain Ryder captaincy

Speculation is growing in America that Paul Azinger could be retained as Ryder Cup captain for the match at Celtic Manor in Wales in 2010.

The last United States captain to keep the job was Ben Hogan in 1949, but so impressive was Azinger in Louisville in September — when after three straight wins Europe lost by five points — that it would come as no surprise to see him re-appointed.

The announcement will come from the Professional Golfers' Association of America. Normally they do it within six weeks of the last contest, but nothing has been heard yet and that put Azinger in a tricky position when reporters spoke to him in Florida this week.

"You probably should address all those questions to the PGA of America and not to me at this point," he said. "I don't know how to respond just yet. When I say that, I'm saying I don't know what you're supposed to know with respect to the PGA of America.

"They want to get their message out when they get their message out and I don't want to jump the gun. I'm going to abstain — it's kind of their message, and I'm going to let them deliver you that message."

Two weeks ago he stated during an interview with ESPN.com that he was not lobbying for the position, but that "if it were offered to me, I would sure think about it".

Azinger would certainly have the support of his team if he is called upon again.

Without Tiger Woods and with six rookies they were big underdogs, but they were ahead from the opening session and nothing Nick Faldo tried — much of it criticised — could turn things round.

Corey Pavin had been the name most mentioned as a possible successor, but Azinger is the younger of the two and would still be only 50 come the next match.

Europe's next captain has still to be decided. The players' committee meet next month to discuss the situation, with Jose Maria Olazabal, Sandy Lyle and successful 2006 captain Ian Woosnam the three front-runners.