Ryder Cup Hopefuls
Eight players have earned a spot on the United States Ryder Cup team, which so far features a blend of veterans (Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink, Kenny Perry, Jim Furyk and Justin Leonard) and rookies (Anthony Kim, Boo Weekley and Ben Curtis).

On Sept. 2, Paul Azinger will make his four captain's picks to round out the squad. The players on this list appear to be in the best position to get serious consideration.

Steve Stricker
World ranking: 10
Final Ryder Cup points standing: 9
Stricker, the winner of the 2007 Barclays, has seen his world ranking fall from a career-high No. 3 a year ago to 10th today. Still, he's earned five top 10s this season, performed well last year in the Presidents Cup and is known as a solid putter. If Azinger selects him, no one will be surprised.

Credit: Robert Beck/SI