Associated Press
Thursday, August 10

GRAND BLANC, Mich. -- Fred Couples hasn't given up hope that Ken Venturi might consider him as a captain's pick for the Presidents Cup. That's why Couples is playing the Buick Open.

	Couples

"I've been playing a little more, practicing a little more," said Couples, who has played in every Presidents Cup since it began in 1994. "I still have a chance to make the Presidents Cup team, which would be a great thing.

"Whoever plays extremely well has a better shot. If I don't embarrass myself, I'm sure I'll be in a pool of five or six players."

Venturi was quick to mention Couples' name when he was selected as the U.S. captain a year ago. But he is 29th in the standings. Only the top 10 qualify, along with two wild cards named by Venturi, and Couples likely would have to get into top 20 to merit consideration.

"It's a big deal for me to make that team," Couples said.

Couples opened the Buick Open with a 1-under 71 on Thursday.

Couples provided the two more memorable shots at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia, site of the October matches. He hit an approach into 1 foot to beat Nick Price on the last hole in 1994, and he holed a 35-footer on No. 17 to beat Vijay Singh in 1996 for the decisive point.