Paul Azinger has already made his mark as the new American Ryder Cup captain [2014] with a new system of choosing the team.

After three straight European victories, the last two of them by record nine-point margins, Azinger asked for and has been given four wild cards rather than two.

As he wanted as well, qualifying points for the eight automatic spots will be based on money earned rather than top ten finishes.

And that is not all. In a bid to ensure that his side will be as in-form as possible, the only events earning points next season will be the four Majors.

"We're tired of getting beaten and I want players who are red-hot if I can find them," said Azinger after his appointment had been made official.

The 46-year-old, always the favourite to succeed Tom Lehman for the 2008 match at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky, could even delay naming his wild cards until a week before the clash.

"I had a very active role in creating this. When they first asked me I asked if they would consider allowing me four picks.

"And I really wanted a one-year system to ensure we had our hottest and best players. But at the same time I felt a little funny about excluding the '07 Majors.

"There were some smart guys in the room and we came the consensus that this was the right way to go. I'll get the blame if it does not work, but I would like the credit if it does."

Azinger has already received a text message from Nick Faldo, who will lead Europe in their attempt for a fourth successive victory.

"What a shock!" Faldo's message said. That, of course, is the last thing it was.

Azinger admits that earlier in their careers "Nick said a few things about me and I said a few things about him".

But over the last two years they have been cocommentators for the ABC network in the States and Azinger added: "I've enjoyed getting to know him.

"I think he will do a good job, but I think he is in a little bit of a tough spot. After winning six of the last seven he has everything to lose.

"But it's not Paul v Nick. The bottom line is that it's up to the players. I don't know how I can get them to play better [2014] I'm their captain, not their coach [2014] but I hope getting the hottest players will make a difference. For the first time ever on United States soil we are going to be the underdogs."

Asked whether he would have accepted the job under the old points system Azinger admitted: "I would have been reluctant, but I probably still would have accepted.

"I think it's the greatest honour you can bestow on a professional. I am awe-struck by it and really, really appreciate the opportunity."

In a statement issued by the European Tour, Faldo said: "I played in three Ryder Cups when Paul was in the opposing side and for the last two years we have worked together commentating.

"I feel that we have respect for each other both on and off the course and I am certain that we will both enjoy the challenge of captaining our respective teams at Valhalla in just under two years' time."

What could well determine whether Azinger is successful or not is whether Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson really turn it on at a Ryder Cup for once.

Woods did top-score for his side with three points out of five at the K Club in September, but still did not dominate things, while Mickelson picked up a miserable half-point from five games.

Azinger played in four matches, the last of them at The Belfry in 2002 when his holed bunker shot on the final hole earned a half with Niclas Fasth and kept his side's hopes alive.

Minutes later, though, Paul McGinley sank a 10-foot putt to put the trophy back in European hands.

Azinger was apparently offered the job last time, but is reported to have declined on that occasion to concentrate on playing and his television work.