4 February 2010 The US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin has named four vice-captains for the Celtic Manor defence.

Corey Pavin, the US team captain, has named no fewer than four vice-captains for the Ryder Cup match at Celtic Manor in October – Tom Lehman, Jeff Sluman, Davis Love and Paul Goydos.

Pavin himself acted as assistant to Lehman at the K Club near Dublin four years ago when Europe were victorious in a record-equalling nine-point victory over the Americans.

As for Goydos, he is one of the game’s most thoughtful and creative players. Consider this gem offered last week at Torrey Pines when he was asked if he thought commissioner Tim Finchem will retire when his contract expires at the end of the 2012 season.

“Does he want to keep doing this? If he does he’s a masochist, or a sadist. Not sure which one,” Goydos said. “He’s not paid enough to take phone calls from guys like me.”

DLIII, however, is a bit of a curious pick. The experience will help prepare Love for his own captaincy – which, someobserver say, will come as early as 2012 – and he certainly has the credentials, but at 45 years old one would think the six-time Ryder Cup player would still be holding out hope to play, not observe, this year’s matches.

There’s also the issue of timing. The Ryder Cup in Wales will be played the week before the inaugural McGladrey Classic, which Love will serve as the unofficial host and will benefit his charitable foundation.

And they call Reggie Jackson Mr. October.