Steve Sticker has been appointed Tom Watson’s third and final vice-captain in an announcement today and on the eve of the 96th PGA Championship.

However in speaking of his appointment Stricker raised plenty of eyebrows, and indeed voiced what most USA Ryder Cup fans already fear, and that is the Stars and Stripes side has been hurt enormously by the stepping down of big-hitting Dustin Johnson and also the injury cloud handing over 14-time Major winning Tiger Woods.

But then there is health issues centering around defending PGA Champion Jason Dufner who says he’s needs time off to allow a neck injury to recover.

Steve Stricker named as a third USA Ryder Cup vice-captain. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“I don’t like that all these guys are showing up hurt or leaving the Tour for personal reasons,” said Stricker.

“But you know, we’ve got a lot of great players still in the mix.  The team hasn’t been set yet, but the guys just outside the points I know are excited to play and are trying to earn points this week.

“There’s so many good players, and whoever is on that team is surely going to have played their way in there.  So I still like it.  I would really like to have a healthy Tiger on that team, I know that, and I know you would, too.”

Stricker is currently ranked 38th on the USA Team but has only played in 10 Tour events this season with a best finish being T6th in the Jack Nicklaus hosted Memorial.

This week is Stricker’s 16th appearance in the PGA Championship with his best finish being second in 1998 behind Vijay Singh at Sahalee.

When it comes to the Ryder Cup the 47-year old Wisconsin-born player has been a member of the past two losing USA teams.

And with Watson sitting beside him, Stricker praised Watson as he strives to win back the Ryder Cup labeling the five-time Open winner as ‘Mr. Scotland’.

“When you think of Tom Watson and you think about, first of all, respect,” said Stricker.

“The second thing is, we’re going over to Scotland and Tom is Mr. Scotland himself.  He’s one of them over there.  So I think it was a great choice by Ted (Bishop) and the PGA, and I know as players we all look up to Tom.

“And I think he’s experienced ‑‑ were you on four teams?

TOM WATSON:  Four teams.

“He’s been on four teams, and I think it was a great choice, I really do.  I think players will rally behind Tom, and I’m looking forward just to be a part of it.

“It was an honor for him to call me and just to be a part of it, just because I was on that last time.  And I think guys ‑‑ it still stings.  I know it still stings me.

“Just to be there and try to have that opportunity to get the Cup back, and to play for Tom, for all the guys, is a dream come true.”

And Watson was asked what if felt to be known as ‘Mr. Scotland’.

“I still can’t understand the language (smiling).  I don’t know how Mr. Scotland I am if I can’t understand the language.

“I love it there.  I love the way they love the game.”