Stockton, Browne among Ryder Cup assistants

From the Associated Press:

Paul Azinger’s squad at the Ryder Cup is starting to take shape.
Azinger named three assistant captains for the 2008 matches at Valhalla, tapping two captains
for whom he played in Raymond Floyd and Dave Stockton (USC), and good friend Olin Browne (Occidental College) as someone considered more of a contemporary for the players.
“There’s a lot of wisdom in Raymond Floyd and Dave Stockton, and a lot of experience that I plan
on leaning on,” Azinger said Wednesday. “Together, we’re going to do everything we can to try to
get this next Ryder Cup right.”
The Ryder Cup has gone downhill for the Americans. Europe won last year in Ireland by an 18½-9½
margin, matching the record rout from the previous time at Oakland Hills. Europe now has
captured the cup eight of the past 11 times.
Stockton was the captain in 1991, when Europe was trying to retain the cup for the fourth
straight time. That was the infamous “War on the Shore,” when the Ryder Cup fever turned it into
perhaps the most fierce competition in golf.
“We had not had the cup back here in six years,” Stockton said. “And I was glad that it was able
to stay. I’m looking forward to helping Paul in any way I can, as with Raymond and Olin, so that
when they bring the cup back over next year, it stays here.”
European captain Nick Faldo has said he would have four assistants, and Azinger likely will add
another.
Jim Furyk supported Azinger’s first major decision as captain.
“He’s going to have two guys that have previously gone through it ... and I think it’s a
wonderful idea to get them involved,” Furyk said.