Tiger Woods 7.5

Age 34 World ranking 1
Ryder Cups 5 Record P25 W10 L13 H2 Pts 11

It's possible he could sit out a series for the first time in his career, most likely in foursomes. Should team up with Stricker, with whom he was unbeaten at last year's Presidents Cup.

Phil Mickelson 9

Age 40 World ranking 2
Ryder Cups 7 Record P30 W10 L14 H6 Pts 13

Doesn't get as much stick for his Ryder record as Woods, even though his is no picture either. Hasn't posted three points since 1995 and his last singles win was in 1999. Time to step up.

Steve Stricker 8

Age 43 World ranking 4
Ryder Cups 1 Record P3 W0 L2 H1 Pts ½

Waited a career to make the Ryder Cup and then got toasted twice by Ian Poulter on his debut in Valhalla. Firmly rooted in the world's top five now and probably Team USA's best putter.

Jim Furyk 7

Age 40 World ranking 6
Ryder Cups 6 Record P24 W8 L13 H3 Pts 9½

Has played his best Ryder Cup golf in the singles, where only Paul Casey has beaten him in six outings. Has always struggled for a partner, although he and Woods broke even at the K Club.

Matt Kuchar 8.5

Age 27 World ranking 10 Ryder Cups 0

There might be half a dozen golfers in the world in better form than Kuchar just now but there definitely isn't a dozen. Makes birdies by the bucketload and leads the scrambling stats on the PGA Tour, a killer skill in Ryder Cup golf. Should play five times.

Dustin Johnson 8

Age 26 World ranking 12 Ryder Cups 0

Much more than just a bombing machine, with a cooler head and a couple of counts to 10 he could conceivably have won two majors this year. His length will obviously be an advantage next week but heavy rough could catch him out.

Hunter Mahan 8.5

Age 28 World ranking 15
Ryder Cups 1 Record P5 W2 L0 H3 Pts 3½

Unbeaten two years ago, when he was the top American points-scorer. Has won twice this year, although he hasn't done a lot since winning the Bridgestone. Good partner material.

Zach Johnson 7

Age 34 World ranking 18
Ryder Cups 1 Record P4 W1 L2 H1 Pts 1½

That he was seemingly an automatic pick says plenty about Pavin's lack of options. Decent, steady player but won't scare the Europeans. In the team for his above-average putting.

Bubba Watson 7.5

Age 31 World ranking 24 Ryder Cups 0

Hugely likeable galoot who never saw a 350-yard carry he didn't like the look of. Close friend of Fowler so there's a natural partnership there if Pavin wants to risk two rookies together. Otherwise, someone like Zach Johnson could ride shotgun.

Rickie Fowler 6.5

Age 21 World ranking 32 Ryder Cups 0

Looks like one of the Osmonds, he's probably the biggest chance Pavin has taken with his selections. Without a top-10 in four months, he's had more missed cuts than top-20s this year. Will be looking to channel Anthony Kim-style enthusiasm.

Stewart Cink 7

Age 37 World ranking 35
Ryder Cups 4 Record P15 W4 L7 H4 Pts 6

Should never have had to rely on a pick but has suffered that familiar post-first major slump since Turnberry. Not the putter he once was, he's been chosen for his experience.

Jeff Overton 6.5

Age 27 World ranking 49 Ryder Cups 0

Won't lack for emotion, that's for sure. Has suffered a scruffy end to his season after having the best summer it would be possible to have without posting a win. Needs to find form, having only shot one round in the 60s since before the USPGA.

Captain Corey Pavin 8

Age 50

Hasn't been anywhere near as gung-ho as Paul Azinger was the last time around, which might not be a bad thing at all. Has handled the Tiger situation without a misstep. Could do with Fowler making him look like a genius.