Ben Curtis may have narrowly missed out on the USPGA title but his performance has guaranteed him a spot in the USA's Ryder Cup team and brought praise from Paul Azinger.
The 2003 British Open champion finished joint second, two shots behind winner Padraig Harrington, at Oakland Hills but any disappointment will be tempered by his inclusion in the bi-annual event which starts next month in Louisville, Kentucky.
The 31-year-old, who was 20th in the rankings on July 28, let slip a three-shot lead during the final round but can take heart from the fact he will now make his Ryder Cup debut.
"Ben Curtis played terrifically well yesterday," said USA team captain Azinger. "I've had my eye on him for a long time and I believe he is going to add a lot to this team.
"I'm very excited for him. It's like a consolation prize for him, although he didn't lose the PGA, Padraig Harrington went out and won it."
Curtis added: If you're going to finish second and they tell you that you qualify for the Ryder Cup, I think you'll take it. It almost is a victory in itself. It was a goal that I set."
He joins Stewart Cink, Phil Mickelson, Kenny Perry, Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Justin Leonard and Boo Weekley in gaining automatic qualification for the USA team.
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