Scant points were offered for the end of 2006 because qualifying was already under way. In 2007, players earned one point for every dollar they made only in the majors. This year, they will get one point for every dollar earned in regular PGA Tour events, two points per dollar in the majors and a half point for every dollar in tournaments held opposite the majors and World Golf Championships.
"I do like how it's weighted more in the current year, and I'm happy to know that I've already won some points," said Masters champion Zach Johnson, who is No. 3 in the standings starting the season.
If that wasn't enough, Azinger will get four captain's picks instead of two. That means only eight spots are earned.
Stricker was No. 2 in the FedEx Cup and No. 4 on the money list last year, but his only points came from his tie for 13th in the U.S. Open, tie for eighth in the British Open and tie for 23rd in the PGA Championship.
Asked which cup meant more to him this year, Stricker didn't hesitate in saying the Ryder Cup.
"I've never played on one, and after my experience in the Presidents Cup, I had a lot of fun," he said. "But just like the FedEx Cup, if you play well, that stuff will take care of itself."
The top eight going into 2008 are Woods, Jim Furyk, Johnson, Woody Austin, Stewart Cink, Joe Durant, Hunter Mahan and Jerry Kelly. Expect that to change dramatically, even before the Masters.
Consider this: If an American wins at Kapalua, he will be no worse than No. 3 in the standings. Azinger liked the sound of that because he wants the hottest players at Valhalla.
"Anyone that has a tour card can make this team," Azinger said. "I think that's exciting and the way it should be."
Scott Verplank is at No. 11 going into the year, and that's worth noting because 11th seemed to be the story of his Ryder Cup bid the last two times. Verplank found himself just outside the top 10 while trying to win tournaments, and that meant no points.
"You start racking up top 13s and you get no points," Mark Calcavecchia said. "It's probably a better barometer of how the 10 best players of the year are — American players — based on where you are on the money list. I think that's probably a good idea. That's what Europe has always done, right?"
Boo Weekley, of course, has his homespun take on the system.
"Money don't lie," he said.
Azinger is to start his 2008 season as a player next week at the Sony Open in Honolulu. Europe's captain is Nick Faldo, who seems to be everywhere on tour with his TV duties on CBS Sports and The Golf Channel.
The FedEx Cup will come into the picture at some point this year, but probably not until the PGA Championship ends Aug. 10 and players have a better idea where they will be seeded for the playoffs.
That also happens to be the last day to qualify for the Ryder Cup.
