AKRON — Steve Stricker, a five-time Presidents Cup player, was named Tuesday by US captain Jay Haas as his third captain's assistant for this year's matchplay competition against the International Team. Stricker joins Fred Couples and Davis Love III as assistants to Haas for the Oct. 6-11 competition that will be played in Asia for the first time, at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon City, South Korea. International Team captain Nick Price's leadership team includes vice captain K.J. Choi and captain's assistants Tony Johnstone and Mark McNulty. Haas made the announcement at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio. “Everyone loves Steve Stricker,” said Haas. “The US Team wouldn't be complete without him, so it really was a no-brainer to add him as my third captain's assistant.” Stricker, playing a limited schedule on the PGA Tour these days, was pleased to continue his association with the event. “I'm honored that Jay asked me to join the US Team,” Stricker said. “I absolutely love the team atmosphere of The Presidents Cup and would have been sad to miss out on it for the first time in a decade, especially on such a momentous occasion as the event heads to Asia for the first time.” Reigning US Open and Masters champion Jordan Spieth paces the US team points leaders, a lineup that includes British Open winner Zach Johnson, Bubba Watson, Jimmy Walker, Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk, Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler, Chris Kirk and Matt Kuchar in the 10 spots at stake. Charley Hoffman, J.B. Holmes, US captain's son Bill Haas and Billy Horschel are chasing the last spots over the next month. On the global side, Australians Jason Day and Adam Scott set the points pace followed in order by South African Louis Oosthuizen, Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, South African Branden Grace, Aussie Mark Leishman, Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, South African Charl Schwartzel, India's Anibar Lahiri and Aussie John Senden. Chasing the final spots over the next month are South Korean An Byeong-Hun, Aussie Steven Bowditch, New Zealand's Danny Lee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand. — Agencies
