Sky Sports - Ryder Cup

Mahan created waves in the run-up to Ryder Cup, but for all the wrong reasons as he launched into a tirade against the event in which he claimed players were treated like "slaves". Most assumed that rant had put the kibosh on his hopes of making Azinger's team, but the 26-year-old's grovelling apology to 'Zinger and the USGA ensured the American captain was prepared to forgive, forget and grant him a pick after Mahan finished 12th on the US points list. Azinger has described Mahan as a "young lion" and is an admirer of the Florida native's aggressive attitude and ball-striking ability. Mahan finished runner-up in the 2002 US Amateur Championship and subsequently turned professional in 2003 as the country's top-ranked amateur. His first win in the paid ranks came at the 2007 Travelers Championship and a string of impressive performances that year earned him a wildcard from US captain Jack Nicklaus for the Presidents Cup. He picked up two points from his five outings in that event and partnered both Steve Stricker and Phil Mickelson. Mahan failed to win an event in 2008 but came within a whisker of defending his Travelers title, ultimately settling for the runner-up spot. A youngster with plenty of ability, he will want to prove his worth to the American cause after his ill-judged comments.