Pavin named Ryder Cup captain

(GETTY IMAGES)

Corey Pavin was today confirmed as America's Ryder Cup captain for their defence of the trophy at Celtic Manor in Wales in 2010.

The 49-year-old Californian, who has a tough act to follow in Paul Azinger, was last involved in the match as one of Tom Lehman's assistants in the crushing defeat in Ireland four years ago.

There had been speculation that Azinger, who in Louisville in September led the United States to their first victory since 1999, might stay on.

However, once Azinger let it be known at the start of this week that he was not continuing in the job - the last time America re-appointed somebody was Ben Hogan in 1949 - Pavin was a clear favourite.

Winner of the US Open in 1995, he made the last of his three cup appearances as a player later that year.

Although the Americans lost the match he won four of his five games to finish his career with eight wins and five defeats.

Pavin's debut had been at Kiawah Island four years earlier and he was involved in controversy there, joining partner Steve Pate in wearing a "Desert Storm" cap during a match that became so heated it was known as "The War on the Shore."

Azinger's team achieved victory at Valhalla even though they were without the injured Tiger Woods.

The world number one should be back for the first match to be held on Welsh soil, but since he has been on the winning side only once in five matches that does not necessarily make Pavin's task any easier.

Europe have not been beaten at home since 1993 and only once since 1981.