Davis backs Verplank for Ryder Cup wild card

Englishman Brian Davis has advised American Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger to call on the skills of Scott Verplank.

On Tuesday, Azinger will name his four wild card picks to complete his team to take on Europe at Valhalla in Kentucky, and all sorts of rumours are flying around.

“I’ve heard Azinger is going to go for long-ball hitters but if I had to pick someone, I’d pick Scott Verplank,” Davis said.

“He has got an unbelievable Ryder Cup record. He beat Padraig Harrington in Ireland (two years ago) and Lee Westwood at the Belfry (six years ago).

“The way he putts under pressure, he’d definitely be a pick for me, even though he’s not one of the longer hitters.”

Davis had a chance to observe 44-year-old Verplank when they played the first two rounds together here at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Verplank was at his gritty best at the Boston TPC, storming home with four back nine birdies to ensure he would make the cut after appearing headed for an early exit.

“He chipped in on one hole, made a couple of good par-saving putts and birdie putts when he had to coming down the stretch, and that’s what I love about Scott,” Davis continued.

“He’s such a gritty competitor. That’s why I think he would be a good acquisition for the Americans.

“The modern game is a power game but the Ryder Cup is slightly different, because it comes down to who can hole the putts under pressure.

“It’s no good hitting it 360 yards off the tee if you then get a six-footer and don’t even get it to the hole.

“You’ve got to have someone who you can rely on with the putts coming down the stretch.”

Verplank, who has played in two Ryder Cups, has a career record of four wins, one half and one loss.