Cink, Verplank get U.S. Ryder Cup wildcard slots

MEDINAH, Illinois, Aug 21 (Reuters) U S Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman, opting for experience and form, has selected Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank as his wildcard picks for next month's match against Europe.

Lehman announced his decision in a news conference at Medinah Country Club today as he rounded out his 12-man team to take on Europe at the K Club in Straffan, Ireland from September.

22-24.

Cink, 33, has represented his country at the last two Ryder Cups while the 42-year-old Verplank appeared for the only time in 2002.

''The two guys that I have picked I believe make the team complete,'' Lehman said.

''Stewart has played steady golf throughout his whole career.

He hits the ball great, is a strong guy and tough competitor and has played well all through the summer.

''This team really needed someone who can putt and chip and hit the ball on the fairway and that's why I picked Scott Verplank. Plus, he's a tough, tough competitor.

''But it's been a difficult decision for me to make, and tough for me to call people whom I respect to say: 'No, I did not pick you.' ''I basically spoke to everyone from positions 11 to 25 on the phone, except for two guys who I spoke to yesterday on the course.'' The leading 10 players in the U S Cup standings, after the PGA Championship ended yesterday at Medinah Country Club, qualified automatically for the 36th Ryder Cup.

Cink and Verplank, who have each won four times on the PGA Tour, were 12th and 20th in the final Cup table.

European captain Ian Woosnam will complete his 12-man team by naming two wildcards after this month's BMW International Open in Munich.

U S team: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Chad Campbell, David Toms, Chris DiMarco, Vaughn Taylor, J.J. Henry, Zach Johnson, Brett Wetterich, Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank.

REUTERS DH RN2025