America to reveal Ryder Cup captain

The PGA of America are today set to announce their Ryder Cup captain for the defence of the trophy at Celtic Manor in Wales in 2010, with Corey Pavin the firm favourite to land the role.

The 49-year-old Californian, who will have a tough act to follow in Paul Azinger, was last involved in the match as one of Tom Lehman’s assistants in the crushing defeat in Ireland four years ago.

There had been speculation that Azinger, who in Louisville in September led the United States to their first victory since 1999, might stay on.

However, since Azinger let it be known at the start of this week that he was not continuing in the job – the last time America re-appointed somebody was Ben Hogan in 1949 – Pavin has emerged as a clear favourite.

Winner of the US Open in 1995, he made the last of his three cup appearances as a player later that year.

Although the Americans lost the match he won four of his five games to finish his career with eight wins and five defeats.

Pavin’s debut had been at Kiawah Island four years earlier and he was involved in controversy there, joining partner Steve Pate in wearing a “Desert Storm” cap during a match that became so heated it was known as “The War on the Shore”.

Azinger’s team achieved victory at Valhalla even though they were without the injured Tiger Woods.

The world number one should be back for the first match to be held on Welsh soil, but he has been on the winning side only once in five matches.

Europe have not been beaten at home since 1993 and only once since 1981.

It has also still to be decided who will captain Europe next.

The position will be discussed by the Tour’s players committee next month, with Jose Maria Olazabal and Sandy Lyle the favourites.

Nick Faldo has expressed an interest in being in charge again, but his chances would have been a lot better if the trophy had not gone back into American hands three months ago.