Red, White and Beautiful

Woods' absence allowed Ryder Cup rookies like Kim to earn their stripes. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images

"We've got a lot to build on, but we still have a lot to prove," Mickelson cautioned. "We still have to win in Europe, which we haven't done in a while."

That was last accomplished 15 years ago by a team full of veteran Yanks and Tom Watson in charge. Faldo aced the 14th hole in his singles bout against Azinger, who birdied the 18th to halve the match.

So things have definitely changed. Amid a chorus of "Azinger in '10" chants from his players, the U.S. captain now stands 1 up. "I'm not going to think about it," he said of a possible return. "I'm just going to stay up all night and party with my boys." Those boys are definitely men, and when they gathered on the balcony of the Valhalla clubhouse last Sunday evening for the traditional champagne celebration, all the corks seem to fly in unison. Now that's teamwork.

WHO'S AFTER AZINGER?

The PGA of America goes to work over the next two months to name a successor to Paul Azinger, and it's not going to be an easy choice. The rotation actually would have called for Payne Stewart this year and Azinger in 2010, but Stewart's death in 1999 juggled the chronology. With the resounding victory and cries of "Azinger in '10" coming from U.S. players Sunday night, it is clear Zinger's may be the toughest shoes to fill in U.S. Ryder Cup history. Suggestion: Since Azinger did such a good job, why not let him name the next captain?

THE CANDIDATES:

Azinger's success against Faldo raises the bar for the next U.S. captain. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images

Corey Pavin: Gritty Little Bruin could become the Larry Nelson of his era and get passed over after being Tom Lehman's assistant at the K Club. Not as popular across the board as Azinger, but epitomized the spirit on the victorious 1991 and 1993 teams. Only problem: Pavin will turn 50 next November, and a captain's commitment would cost him valuable earning potential on the Champions Tour.

Davis Love III: Perhaps, although Love may still have one more appearance left as a player. Has been grooming for the role since 1993 and is a good communicator who was an aid to Ben Crenshaw in making out the lineup card for the Battle of Brookline comeback in 1999.

Fred Couples: Took himself out of contention for 2010 by taking the '09 Presidents Cup captaincy. The PGA needs a two-year commitment to promote the event and to get entrenched with the players and the culture; Freddie's got his hands full until next September at Harding Park in San Francisco. Couples could be a possible for 2012 at Medinah, but only if he downsizes his Champions Tour aspirations.

Mark O'Meara: O'Meara damaged his captain's prospects with his role in the pay-for-players controversy before the 1999 Ryder Cup. But there's a new regime at the PGA of America these days, so maybe it's time to move on. O'Meara is a double major-winner and, more importantly, one of Tiger Woods' best friends. John Cook would be an assistant, making Woods feel even more comfortable.

-- Tim Rosaforte