Ryder Cup Grades

Here are Mr. Fairway’s grades for the U.S. Ryder Cup team:

Captain Paul Azinger – A U.S. captain deserves credit for building a solid team, getting them to bond, leading the Thursday night pep rally and sending out a lineup on Sunday designed to putt pressure on the Europeans. Bringing in Payne Stewart’s widow and children was a nice human touch. Is there a precedent for a repeat performance? Yes, actually. Ben Hogan captained the 1947 and 1949 teams.

Anthony Kim – A+ (2-1-1) Not only did he help Mickelson post his only win, he dusted Sergio Garcia in the open match Sunday to set the tone for the victorious U.S. team.

Boo Weekley – A+ (2-0-1) The crowd favorite who impressed with remarkable ball striking and clutch putting, this good ol’ boy can flat play.

Hunter Mahan - A (2-0-3) The brash rookie, a captain’s pick, teamed well with Leonard. He made a huge putt on 17 on Sunday for a 1-up lead and then settled for a halve against Paul Casey when his drive on No. 18 found the water.

J.B. Holmes – A (2-0-1) A controversial captain’s pick, the Kentucky bomber proved up to the task as one of three undefeated Americans.

Jim Furyk – A- ( 2-1-1) Furyk, who never trailed in his singles match against Miguel Angel Jimenez, clinched the U.S. victory.

Justin Leonard – B+ (2-1-1) The U.S. team rode Leonard’s hot putter to first and second day leads. He faltered Sunday against Robert Karlsson.

Kenny Perry – B+ (2-1-1) Built his whole year around qualifying for the team and did not disappoint the home fans. Came up big on Sunday despite taking pain pills for an arm problem.

Chad Campbell – B (2-1-0) Redeemed himself with a singles win over Padraig Harrington on Sunday.

Ben Curtis – C+ (1-1-1) A singles win over Lee Westwood salvaged his Ryder Cup.

Phil Mickelson – C (1-2-2) Poor Phil. He rode Kim to his only victory but couldn’t find another win and lost a singles match on Sunday for an overall record of 2-15. Needs more work with Butch Harmon on the wayward driver.

Stewart Cink – C (1-2-0) Rhymes with stink the first couple days with erratic play and poor putting.

Steve Stricker – C- (0-2-1) His highlight was making a critical putt on No. 18 on Saturday to halve a match for his only half point. Outgunned by Euro star Ian Poulter on Sunday.

Hitting range balls while wondering whatever happened to Gary Nicklaus.