PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – The PGA of America announced a new points system that will determine the top eight players for the 2008 United States Ryder Cup Team. In addition, the number of Captain’s selections to complete the team will increase from two to four players.
The new points system will begin with golf’s four major championships in
2007 and resume Jan. 1 through Aug. 11, 2008.
The points will be based upon the following:
* Prize money earned in the 2007 major championships (Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship – one point for every $1,000 earned).
* Prize money earned in "official events" in 2008 from Jan. 1 through Aug.
11 (one point for every $1,000 earned, excluding the major championships and events played opposite major championships and opposite World Golf Championships).
* Prize money earned in the 2008 major championships (Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, PGA Championship (two points for every $1,000 earned)
* Prize money earned in 2008 events played opposite the major championships and opposite World Golf Championship events between Jan. 1 and Aug. 11 (one-half point for every $1,000 earned).
With the 2006 points system having been in effect prior to the 2008 points system being announced, it has been determined that all U.S. players who finished in the top 10 in all official events from Aug. 27 through Nov. 5, 2006, will be awarded one-quarter point for every $1,000 earned.
The Captain’s announcement of his four selections will be made sometime after the 2008 PGA Championship at a date to be determined.
"The increase to four Captain’s picks reflects the changing face of tournament golf in America with more international players playing here and more Americans playing around the world," said PGA of America President Roger Warren. "Our decision to award points earned since the PGA Championship was the right thing to do for players who have been under the impression that they were already earning points."
The Ryder Cup began in 1927 when enterprising English seed merchant Samuel Ryder commissioned the casting of a gold chalice that bears his name. The U.S. Team defeated Great Britain, 9½ to 2½, in the inaugural matches in Worcester, Mass.
Since then, except for a span (1939-45) during World War II and following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks upon America, the Ryder Cup has been held biennially with the U.S. and Europe alternating as host.
Celebrating its 90th anniversary, The PGA of America was founded in 1916, and is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.
Contact:
Julius Mason
561/624-8444
jmason@pgahq.com