The US has revamped the qualification system which determines its Ryder Cup team in the wake of the crushing 18�- 9� defeat by Europe last September. The USPGA have developed a new points system which places more emphasis on players' performances during the season leading up to the biennial event.
"The new system rewards the game's hottest players," explained PGA of America president Roger Warren.
"The goal is to ensure the strongest possible team for 2006."
The previous system distributed qualifying points over the two seasons leading up to the Ryder Cup.
Now, points will be worth more if they are gathered during the year of the tournament to ensure the most in-form players contest the event.
PGA Tour tournament wins will be worth 375 points instead of 75 in 2005 and victories in the Majors will reap 675 rather than 450.
Ten players will be selected from the points system and US Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman will select two wildcard members.
Europe changed its selection process two years ago, taking the five top players from world ranking points, five from the European Order of Merit and two wildcards.
The next Ryder Cup takes places at the K Club in Ireland in 2006.
MMIX
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