Kenny Perry win at Memorial boosts Ryder Cup chances for U.S. squad at Valhalla

Kenny Perry’s performance today in the final round of the Memorial was a thing of beauty. On a day where all the leaders seemed to falter, Perry coasted to a two-shot victory and $1 million payday.

More importantly perhaps, Perry now stands to be among the favorites to join the U.S. team at the 2008 Ryder Cup in his home state of Kentucky.

A Kentucky native, Perry has made no secret of his dream of playing on the U.S. team in his home state at Valhalla this fall. Captain Paul Azinger said earlier this week that for any player to make his team, they better have a win, not just a bunch of high finishes. It’s the perfect mindset for Azinger to instill in the American players, who are sometimes criticized for simply playing for paychecks. The importance of closing out is big again.

Perry wants a spot so bad on the team, he was considering skipping U.S. Open qualifying in favor of playing in some tournaments he stood a better chance of winning. That’s not necessary anymore, as Perry’s win caps a remarkable season for the 47-year-old. He now has three finishes in the top three and has made 13 of 15 cuts.

Perry could be a great weapon for the U.S. in the Ryder Cup. In 2006, the youngish American squad got their fannies handed to them, so a little veteran poise is just what the doctor ordered. Anyone watching Perry today saw how precise he was and how he never seemed to miss in the wrong place. He was cool as Red Wings ‘tender Chris Osgood getting up and down around the greens, and playing in front of home fans is an X-factor you can’t undervalue.