For Paul Azinger, Ryder Cup gamesmanship has begun

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The 37th Ryder Cup officially starts on Friday, but that doesn't mean it's been quiet so far. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth, and come to think of it, that's just one of the phrases getting tossed around a lot here this week.

Paul Azinger, the U.S. captain, has gone out of his way to be only semi-cooperative with some members of the European media who he feels are merely trying to stir things up and twist what he says.

Consider this prickly exchange with a reporter from Britain concerning something European captain Nick Faldo supposedly said.

Azinger: "Do you think it's true that he said it?"

Reporter: "I think it is."

Azinger: "Did you hear it?"

Reporter: "I did, actually."

Azinger: "Did you ask him?"

Reporter: "No."

Azinger: "Who asked him? Did someone hear him say it?"

Reporter: "Yeah, people heard him say it and reported it."

Azinger: "Did you hear him say it?"

Reporter: "People heard him say it and reported it."

"Azinger: "Did you hear him say it? I question whether he said it, and if he did say it, it's completely not true."

Reporter: "So why would he say it?"

Azinger: "Go ask him."

This is schoolyard stuff, of course, but it sheds a little light on the way this little biennial match play golf tournament may be conducted.

It would be called cheeky.

Let's face it, they're overcooking the Ryder Cup.

In his role as the leader of the underdog team playing on its home soil, Azinger is taking little for granted.