BBC Sportgolf

Curtis makes his Ryder Cup debut five years after producing arguably the Open Championship's greatest ever upset.

His 2003 victory at Royal St George's, in his first major tournament, catapulted him from 396th in the world to 35th - the biggest jump in the history of the rankings.

It earned him a visit to meet President Bush in the White House, but it was another 64 events before he tasted victory again.

He was a double winner on the PGA Tour in 2006 and is back in the top 50 after a good 2008.

Curtis has shown himself to be a big-tournament player and US skipper Paul Azinger is a fan of his solid game and his coolness under pressure.

He has finished in the top 10 at the last two Opens and had the chance to win his second major at the USPGA, before finishing in a tie for second behind Padraig Harrington.

His runners-up prize was a place in the US Ryder Cup team.