BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Ben Curtis will have to ditch the NFL apparel next month for the Stars and Stripes. A runner-up finish in the PGA Championship on Sunday earned him his first trip to the Ryder Cup.
“I love Ben Curtis a lot, and I love the fact he’s made the team,” U.S. captain Paul Azinger said.
Curtis lost out on a chance to win another major when he bogeyed two of the last four holes at Oakland Hills, but only later did he realize the consolation prize. His tie for second moved him from No. 20 to No. 7 in the standings, earning him one of the eight automatic spots in the qualifying that ended with the PGA Championship.
“It’s almost a victory in itself,” said Curtis, who wears apparel of NFL teams when he plays on the PGA Tour.
Three of the eight Americans who qualified will be Ryder Cup rookies — Anthony Kim (No. 5), Curtis and Boo Weekley, who closed with a 66 to finish tied for 20th to secure the final spot.
Justin Leonard finished sixth and will play in the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1999, the last time the Americans won.
The rest of the U.S. qualifiers were Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink, Kenny Perry and Jim Furyk.
Azinger will announce his four captain’s picks on Sept. 2.
