Corey Pavin Prepping for 2010 Ryder Cup

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin thinks the Europeans' tweak this week of their 2010 qualifying system is a good move. Colin Montgomerie, Pavin's opposite number, now will have three captain's picks, instead of two as previously.

"It's a different deal this year," Pavin said at the Valero Texas Open, where is playing this week. (Pavin shot 66-72 in the first two rounds.) "Last time, we were the ones trying to break a losing streak. Now, they are trying to win.

"Changing to three picks must have meant we did something right [in 2008]. They are [now] trying to do something to help them."

The 2010 Ryder Cup Matches are set for Oct. 1-3 on the 2010 course at Celtic Manor Golf Club in Newport, Wales.

Before the last matches at Vallhalla Golf Club in Louisville, U.S. captain Paul Azinger asked for and was granted by PGA of America the right to have four captain's picks, instead of the customary two.

"When I became captain, I asked if I could have 12 captain's picks. They just kind of laughed," Pavin said. "I was serious-- the more the better. But I also think there is some merit to playing your way on the team."

Pavin, a fearsome Ryder Cup competitor with an overall 8-5-0 record in three matches as a player, said he has not yet had an in-person meeting with Montgomerie.

The two have traded brief phone messages, and of course are well acquainted after years of golfing clashes.

"I called him when he was named captain and left a message and he called me and left one a couple of weeks ago before the [qualifying] announcement," Pavin said.

"The European PGA Tour had made the decision to expand [the captain's picks], but I'm sure Monty had a lot to do with that."