U.S. can't go wrong by selecting solid Streelman

Besides, if Azinger picks Streelman, 30, it wouldn't be the craziest discretionary reach of the week, would it? Compared to the new Republican vice-presidential candidate, Streelman is a scarred, battle-tested veteran.

As far as the FedEx Cup race goes, he's become this year's crazy comet, climbing 65 spots last week to No. 37. Only the top 70 advance to next week's third playoff event in St. Louis, so that seems darned likely, too.

"I started out just hoping to make it to the third event," Streelman said. "Now it looks like I have a good chance of playing in all four."

Understand that the Ryder Cup causes more esophageal constriction than any other event in the game. Players are pressed to perform for their flag, their mates and their captain. If Azinger was to reach beyond his list of established players and select Streelman, the rookie would feel pressed to validate the selection, too.

Bring it on, said Streelman, who last year at this time was playing on the Hooters and Gateway circuits. And while the following will sound somewhat naïve given the stress produced at the matches, it doesn't mean he's wrong, either.

"He could go a number of directions," Streelman said. "But the Ryder Cup is still just golf. And I'm playing good golf right now."

On that front, he's a downright American rarity.