Aug. 20, 2006

FORT WORTH, Texas - On Sunday, former three-time All-American J.J. Henry became the first TCU golfer since Charles Coody in 1971 and the first Fort Worth resident since Ben Hogan in 1951 to earn a spot on the United States' Ryder Cup team. Henry, who placed tied for 41st at this weekend's PGA Championship, the final Major of the year, garnered an automatic spot on the 12-man team by finishing eighth in the Ryder Cup points standings.

In July, Henry claimed his first career PGA Tour victory at the Buick Championship. On the year, he has posted three top-10 finishes and five top-25 landings in 22 events. He entered the weekend 26th on the 2006 PGA Tour money list and 72nd according to the Official World Golf Ranking.

The U.S. team members named include: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Chad Campbell, David Toms, Chris DiMarco, Vaughn Taylor, Henry, Zach Johnson and Brett Wetterich. Team captain Tom Lehman will choose the final two players on Monday.

The 31-year-old Henry and the U.S. team will play Team Europe at the K Club in Straffan, Ireland, Sept. 22-24, 2006. Europe has won two straight and four of the past five meetings in the prestigious event, which is held every other year.

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