Tuesday 14 October 2014 16:44, UK
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are part of an 11-strong ‘task force’ which will examine all aspects of the US Ryder Cup process following last month’s defeat at Gleneagles.
In a statement on their website, the PGA of America said the panel would examine the selection of Ryder Cup captains and vice-captains, the qualifying system, the dates by which the team is determined and the timing of wild card selections.
The United States have won the Ryder Cup just once this century, but the man who led them to victory in 2008 – Paul Azinger – has rejected the chance to be part of the task force.
PGA of America president Ted Bishop said: "The Ryder Cup is our most prized competitive asset and the PGA of America is committed to utilising our utmost energy and resources to support one of the biggest events in all of sport.
"The Ryder Cup Task Force, co-chaired by (PGA vice president) Derek Sprague and (PGA chief executive officer) Pete Bevacqua, is an exciting and comprehensive initiative that will guide the PGA in developing the right strategy and building ongoing processes and infrastructure for future generations of US teams."
In addition to Sprague and Bevacqua, the members of the task force are former captains Raymond Floyd, Tom Lehman and Davis Love, players Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Mickelson, Steve Stricker and Woods plus PGA secretary Paul Levy.
Woods, who was not part of the team in Gleneagles, said: "I think this is a great step by the PGA to accomplish what we all want - to win the Ryder Cup.
"The Ryder Cup is very important to every player who has the honour to represent his country. I'm excited to be part of this group."
The man praised by Mickelson as creating a winning formula in 2008 - Azinger - has turned down the chance to formally take part.
Azinger, 54, was hailed by Mickelson in the US team's press conference in the immediate aftermath of the five-point loss in Scotland.
Lee Westwood, who made his ninth Ryder Cup appearance at Gleneagles, hailed the creation of the task force as positive news for Europe.
"What a massive pat on the back & confidence booster it is for Europe that team USA needs to create a Ryder Cup task force!!!" the former world number one wrote on Twitter.
"Maybe because @PaulAzinger is not on this task force means he's in the frame for the next captaincy. Must be something the TF is discussing."
