This month's Ryder Cup venue will favor big hitters, US captain Paul Azinger said on Tuesday.
"I don't want anybody feeling handcuffed. I'm tired of playing in five-inch rough," Azinger said after he announced Steve Stricker, Hunter Mahan, Chad Campbell and the long-hitting JB Holmes as his four wildcard picks.
"A bomber is probably going to like the course. There's not a lot of rough."
Azinger has had a hand in the course set-up for the September 19-21 match against defending champion Europe at Valhalla, Kentucky.
"Does it favour anybody in particular, any team in particular? I don't know," said the American.
"I don't care if Europe feels handcuffed but I don't want our guys to feel handcuffed," he joked.
Azinger said his players would not need to travel to Valhalla to practice before the week of the event.
"I haven't implored anybody that they need to play a practice round," he added. "I feel they are all big boys and all professionals and I don't need to hold their hands.
"If anybody wants to go and look at Valhalla they are welcome to do it."
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods may still have an impact on the Ryder Cup despite being ruled out by injury.
Azinger said he had spoken to the world No. 1 and hoped to have his input during the biennial team competition.
"I'm going to have an open phone line to Tiger Woods during the event," Azinger said.
"I am curious to see how he feels as things unfold throughout the week. He's really intelligent and has a great golf mind so I'm looking forward to talking to Tiger.
"I can call any time I want. I have a good relationship with Tiger."
Azinger said Woods was not involved in choosing the wildcards and the pair had not yet discussed whether he would travel to Valhalla Golf Club during Ryder Cup week.
Woods is recovering from a knee operation he had after his US Open triumph in June and is out for the rest of the year.
"We're missing Tiger Woods, the greatest player on earth, which is a big blow to us," Azinger said. "It's one of my great regrets of this Ryder Cup."
The US captain added everyone was eager to see Woods back in action.
"I think the game needs Tiger and misses Tiger," said Azinger.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily September 4, 2008)
