Pavin Picks Four Assistants

Tom Lehman, Jeff Sluman, Davis Love and Paul Goydos have been named by Corey Pavin as his vice-captains for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

The United States captain made the announcement at a press conference ahead of the Northern Trust Open - this week's event on the PGA Tour.

Pavin served as a vice-captain under Lehman four years ago at The K Club when Europe managed a record-equalling nine-point victory over the Americans.

Sluman has served as Jack Nicklaus's vice-captain in the Presidents Cup on three occasions, while Love and Goydos have accepted invitations despite their hopes of playing their way onto the team by October.
Experienced golfers

"If they do make the team I will come up with an alternative," said Pavin.

"I want experienced golfers.

"I don't think it's necessary to have four, I think it's better for me. With four I can have one go with each match. With three you lose that chance.

"I want to know what's going on and the more sets of eyes watching there's more feedback and hopefully I'll make good decisions."

On Lehman's appointment, he added: "Tom brings the experience of being a captain - and a captain overseas. We will shoot around ideas."

Previous captain Paul Azinger had Raymond Floyd, Dave Stockton and Olin Browne helping him out in Louisville in 2008 when the Americans won back the trophy.

The United States will be bidding to win on European soil for the first time since they triumphed at The Belfry back in 1993.

Like Pavin, European skipper Colin Montgomerie is planning to have four vice-captains, though no names have been announced yet by the Scot.