"Bad economy or not, the silence has been as deafening as it is surprising."

Gary Van Sickle profiles Paul Azinger and learns that the victorious Ryder Cup Captain has not been inundated with offers.

Azinger is riding the wave, a crest that he says is more powerful than anything he felt after winning the 1993 PGA Championship, his lone major title. He has Ryder Cup in his blood and it's running hot, so don't blame him if he can't — or won't — let go of his Valhalla moments.

A U.S. Open victory is said to be worth millions in off-course opportunities. Not so the Ryder Cup. Azinger says he hasn't received a single offer post-Valhalla — even his equipment deal is set to expire at year's end. Bad economy or not, the silence has been as deafening as it is surprising.

Sorry, but Azinger continued his pre-Ryder Cup media blackout well after the Cup, turning down a Tonight Show appearance and probably many other publicity opportunities. In a world with a depressingly short attention span, you have to capitalize on the moment. Azinger passed. 

Comments

[Bob S.]

I'm not going to read the article but why is it a big deal that Azinger isn't gaining anything from the Ryder Cup. He didn't hit a single shot or make a single birdie, the players are the ones who should be out front ...

[Smolmania]

I have the last two days of the RC on my dvr, but still haven't bothered to watch it. Just not that interested, apparently similar to the reaction that Cap'n Paul's received post RC. Maybe some cold night this winter.

I'd rather watch Brendan Smith takin' it to the house at the Humpdome for the 15th time!!!

[Ben Storey]

Where is it written that the captain or coach of ANY sporting event is thus entitled to a financial windfall? Usain Bolt is relaxing home in Jamacia rather than pretending to endorse Wheaties or Right Guard or Bruce Jenner's Ultra-Serious Cheap Plastic Stepper. Why not? Because he DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE MONEY.

As accurately stated above, Azinger didn't hit a shot during the Ryder Cup. The reason behind any endorsement is that the gullible consumer purchases a particular product because he WANTS TO BE LIKE THE ENDORSER. Zinger had a nice week, but that was it. He's a nice-to-average former player whose glory days are far behind him. Do YOU want to be like Azinger? Me neither -- and corporate America is listening.

[Steven T.]

Why isn't the RC Captain paid? There is ample money, isn't there?

[Kurt Ehlert]

Boy, not going on the Tonight Show? That insensitive jerk!
I respect him for not going on the tour. Boo Weekley, on the other hand, has become a sad, foolish icon. I really don't think Zinger expected loads of cash and promotional opportunities as a reward when he signed up to captain the Ryder Cup. And I don't think he is tremendously upset that it hasn't happened for him after the win.
If there ever was a more grounded, authentic Ryder Cup captain than Zinger, at least in the public persona, I haven't seen him.

[Geoff]

Kurt,
I don't disagree with you, but if you want to cash in on fame in America today, you have to do the PR circuit and play the game.

[john]

Methinks it IS the economy to some extent...that and Azinger went into hiding right after the RC. He missed the victory afterglow PR bonanza gravy train.

He can make his money on the senio...err....champions tour I guess. He sure knows how to put the ball in the hole.