Paul Azinger will name four wild cards for America

Previous American teams have had only two captain's picks and have been known more than a month ahead of the match.

But Azinger has asked for more wild cards and more time to decide who he wants for September's competition.

His selections will be known on 2 September, two days after Nick Faldo completes the European line-up with two wild cards.

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Azinger will therefore be able to judge for three weeks longer than was the case for Tom Lehman two years ago.

The race for the eight automatic spots in his side will once more conclude at the US PGA Championship at Oakland Hills on August 7-10.

The last qualifying event for Europe is the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles on August 28-31.

Europe and American go head to head on 19 September at Valhalla in Kentucky with Faldo's men looking to retain the trophy they won at the K Club, Dublin in 2006.