Sunday 17 August 2014 10:34, UK
Former World No.2 Steve Stricker is in contention for a Ryder Cup wild card place, according to United States captain Tom Watson.
Stricker, 47, who joined Andy North and Ray Floyd on Watson's backroom staff just four days ago, could find himself playing in his fourth Ryder Cup despite a hip injury.
Watson had joked on Monday that he had told Stricker to take his clubs to Gleneagles after his long-time friend finished joint seventh in the US PGA Championship.
But that suggestion has now become a serious consideration, with three wild cards set to be named on September 2.
“Speaking of injuries, it hasn't been limited to our players," Watson said. "Our new vice-captain, Steve Stricker, is also battling through a hip injury.
"It's been a problem for a while now and I think it's the reason he's had a hard time stringing four rounds together this year until last week. He played great at Valhalla and tied for seventh.
"Steve actually called me on Thursday night. He asked if I was considering him for a captain's pick. I said, 'Absolutely, I am.'
"Steve said that's all he needed to hear and will be planning his schedule accordingly over these next couple of weeks. He's going to play and see if he can make it as a captain's pick.
"I told him he's amongst a group I'm looking at if he's playing well. Either way, he'll be with us at Gleneagles. He's very well respected by his peers and obviously, a great player."
Stricker is also eligible for the first FedEx Cup play-off event which gets under way on Thursday.
