Dan O'Neill

In this presidential election year, it's only appropriate that Paul Azinger play politics with the Ryder Cup. There's nothing diabolical about it, nothing profound. But the U.S. captain has been eager to advance the notion his team is clearly the “underdog” in these proceedings.

The proposition is prudent on his part and supporting evidence is readily available. The Red, White and Beaten have lost three consecutive Ryder reunions to Team Europe, five of the last six. And to be fair, simply calling them losses is a bit generous. "Spankings" would be the more accurate term.

Chris DiMarco fist pumps notwithstanding, the Yanks have not had a lead in any of these exhibition sessions since Brookline in 1999. And while the American golf community has sifted through the Ryder Cup rubble, it has come to the conclusion our boys have been poisoned by pressure, burdened by expectations, cursed by the claustrophobic headlines that cast them as "favorites."

Since way back when the U.S. dominated the series, the Europeans have been the disrespected, the unaffected and most recently, the unstoppable. So it only makes sense for Azinger to role play and promote a carefree state of mind for his minions. Thus, this U.S. contingent is the Little Ryder Cup Team That Could.

But let's be real here. If you go down the rosters, if you match players against players, Azinger's underdog designation doesn't really fit. Look at career accomplishments and the Patriots are still the more impressive group.

The U.S. squad has combined for 92 PGA Tour victories and six major championships, while Team Europe accounts for 13 PGA Tour wins and three majors — with Padraig Harrington owning all three majors. Now, if we can agree that, despite inroads by the European Tour, the big leagues of golf is still the PGA Tour.

Of course, if you compare Ryder Cup records the story is different. But for handicapping purposes, it makes little sense to characterize a player by his marks during one week that takes place every two years rather than his overall performance. Besides, when you lose three Ryder Cups in a row and five of six, your event resumes are bound to suffer.

It's true, with so many Europeans playing regularly in the U.S., home-field advantage is not what it used to be. In lieu of all the changes at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, most of the players on both sides will be playing the course for the first time.

Still, Team USA will enjoy the emotional benefits of playing in front of an American audience on American soil. Bottom line, politics aside, the underdog label doesn't stick, or as Jack Nicklaus told Golf Digest, "I just believe we have better players … there's no reason the U.S. team should lose the Ryder Cup."

Even without Tiger Woods, the U.S. should break the Ryder Cup slump at Valhalla if ...

2008 Ryder Cup At Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. Final leaderboard  |    Slide show Final day: U.S. takes back the Ryder Cup Opinion: No substitute for inexperience   Video: Americans' winning moment Opinion: Azinger gave heart, soul  |    Video New breed carries Americans  |    Video: Boo! Kim concedes nothing to Garcia  |    Video Notebook: Perry finds his defining moment Video: Highlights and memorable moments VOTE: Who played biggest role in win?

They get a lead
As mentioned, the Americans have not been in front since the miraculous comeback at Brookline. News bulletin: you can't win if you don't lead. There is no question the Team USA psyche is vulnerable and falling behind early would promote a “here-we-go-again” mindset.

It would behoove the Patriots to get a lead, see Stars and Stripes on the board and establish some momentum during the four-ball and foursomes matches. One thing is certain, especially without Woods, the U.S. can not afford to rely on making up ground in the singles competition.

Phil thrills
The U.S. is missing it's No. 1 player in Woods, it can't afford to be missing No. 2, as well. Phil Mickelson has had an ordinary year — by his standards — with two wins and few highlights. He has not played especially well during the FedEx Cup playoffs and despite 34 PGA Tour wins and three majors, the Ryder Cup has not been a showcase for “Lefty.”

In six previous appearances, he has a 9-12-4 record and does not have a winning mark in any of the formats. The veteran could send a message and put the U.S. rookies at ease by leading a charge.

J.B. Holmes gets a chance
Seems unfair to lean on a 26-year-old player with only two PGA Tour wins, but the long-hitting Holmes could be a not-so-secret weapon for Azinger. The Kentucky native has been a regular at Valhalla, knows the course well. If he can hit fairways, his distance will be a huge asset during the four-ball and foursomes competitions. For that matter, some dynamic play from Holmes and Kentuckian Kenny Perry will stoke the galleries and create energy for the home team.

Azinger play the rookies
Experience works both ways in the Ryder Cup, and most of the experience the U.S. has gathered in recent years is losing experience. There are six rookies on Team USA who come to the event with no scars and no preconceived notions. Most of them have been playing well of late, including Anthony Kim, Ben Curtis, Hunter Mahan and Steve Stricker. If this truly is the new wave, Azinger needs to ride them.

Captain makes good decisions
Captain “Zinger” has changed the system, doubled the number of at-large picks and promoted the “underdog” concept. Now it will be up to him to push the right lineup buttons, promote the proper environment and produce.