Would a ‘general manager’ help the U.S. in the Ryder Cup?

One of the biggest knocks on how the PGA of America handles the Ryder Cup is the lack of continuity from one captain to the next.

Ben Hogan was the last man to lead the U.S. into consecutive matches, back in 1947 and ’49. While there’s some discussion from one administration to the next, the degree of knowledge sharing really depends on the relationship between the incoming and outgoing captain — and how receptive the new captain is to suggestion.

Another problem is the PGA of America’s election cycle. Its membership elects a new president in a two-year cycle that lines up with Ryder Cup years. While the organization plans the elevation of its officers all the way to the presidency, each president has their own biases in identifying a good Ryder Cup leader.

Meanwhile, the Europeans all sing from the same hymnal. Future captains get to serve as understudy vice-captains. Past captains come back to help their buddies as assistants. There’s a committee of players and prior captains that pick future leaders. It’s easy to see the value of a shared philosophy: eight wins in 10 Ryder Cup matches.

Could the U.S. benefit, then, from a single person — not a temporary, 11-person task force — whose sole job it is to oversee the PGA of America’s approach to the Ryder Cup?

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas thinks so, looking at the example of USA Basketball as proof.

“I think there’s a lot that can be learned from what USA basketball has accomplished in a 10-year period,” Bilas said this fall to Golfweek.

After embarrassing losses in the Olympics and other international competition, USA Basketball hired former Phoenix Suns owner and general manager Jerry Colangelo to the position of managing director. Since then, the U.S. has won Olympic gold in consecutive games and the last two World Cup titles.

Bilas knows the commitment made to Colangelo and his program made all the difference.

“Now people are saying, Oh, we’re just more talented,” Bilas said, according to Golfweek. “Well, we weren’t saying that a few years ago. So it’s really changed, and I think the program that’s been put in place has been the primary reason why.”

Paul Azinger for general manager?

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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