Pavin looking for Ryder Cup captaincy

Would Corey Pavin like to be captain of the 2010 United States Ryder Cup team? Does a bear sleep in the woods?

"I totally want it," Pavin said Tuesday, adding that he has had "conversations" with the PGA of America about the post. Pavin is considered the leader in the clubhouse, although now Paul Azinger is telling Golf World's Tim Rosaforte that he would be interested in returning from his victorious effort in Louisville last September if the PGA of America makes the unusual gesture of having a captain come back for a second turn.

Pavin praised the job Azinger did, but didn't sound as though he were afraid of replacing Vince Lombardi.

"Tom Lehman did a great job too," Pavin said, referring to the captain of the 2006 squad that got waxed in Ireland. "But we didn't win."

Pavin was Lehman's assistant then, and some observers assumed Pavin would be next in line, but the PGA of America opted for Azinger as a natural rival for European captain Nick Faldo. Pavin has played three Ryder Cups and says he has his ideas about what works and what doesn't. He said he does not know which way the PGA of America is leaning, but he expects a decision soon.

-- Bob Verdi