RICKIE RYDER CUPPER

Rickie the Rookie. In eight months on the PGA Tour, the 22 year old has made his mark. Today, with Corey Pavin's captain's selection of Rickie for the 2010 Ryder Cup team, his mark just got a whole lot bigger.

Pavin's pick of Rickie, a non-winner on the Tour but has had several Top Ten finishes in his first year, was puzzling to some critics and observers. Crys of "he's a rookie", "he hasn't won anything" and so forth were factual comments true but they don't know Rickie. Pavin thinks he does. In his press conference this morning from New York City, Pavin said, "I have a gut feeling about Rickie" that transcends victories and age. Is Rickie's selection a risk? Yes. But worth taking.

I saw this kid play at the Pebble Beach Callaway tournament last November and I was absolutely floored by not only his game but by his manner and attitude. Not a punk attitude. But a cool manner...confident yet friendly. A cross between James Dean and Elvis. He has a swagger of "I'm good, I'm going to beat you but let's chill together afterwards." It's not suprising that he is fast becoming one of the more likeable players on tour. Inside the ropes he's a gunslinger who takes no prisoners. Outside the ropes he's a kid who wants to hang out at the mall with his girlfriend sipping cherry cokes.

This past July, my son, Jack, and I ran into Rod, Rickie's Dad, at the British Open at St. Andrews. We talked a bit about the Ryder Cup then while gallery following Rickie. Apparently, Rickie was on Pavin's watch for some time. Rickie's consistent success on the tour this year and his 7-1 record in the amateur Walker Cup matches got Pavin's attention.

In the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, Rickie was in the hunt until the final hole. He hit a couple bad shots, took a few too many risks and settled for second place three shots behind winner, Justin Rose. Upon leaving the 18th green disappointed, he spotted host Jack Nicklaus, he of 18 majors, went right up to him to said, "Thank you Mr. Nicklaus for putting on a terrific tournament."

Kid not only shows game but alot of respect for the game and for those who preceded him. I suspect his game and his respect for the game will take another huge leap in October.

He will electrify you in orange or whatever colors he wears.