I don't think Couples was/is willing to do it "their" way (and good for him), so he ultimately fell out of the discussion. It stinks - I think the US teams could use Freddy's laid back attitude. The pressure on these guys is enormous with losing 8/10. Plus, is there anyone in golf more fun to watch than Fred Couples? Alas, I would have been surprised to see him named captain.
I like the DLIII pick. Aside from Azinger, who else would it have been if you take Couples out of the equation? And if Zinger didn't play ball the PGA's way, he too was likely less of a candidate than we thought. Neither he nor Couples accepted the invite to the working group, or whatever it was, while DL III did. Could a guy like Justin Leonard be asked? Here's a way out there thought: David Duval. Part of the Crenshaw team, and motivated. And now he has the time to give to the process. He was a best in the world player, has a major, and my understanding is that he's quiet and intense. That might work. Who knows, though. I'm perfectly fine with DL III and I predict he gets it done this time, with a sports shrink on his staff to keep the fellas calm and breathing easy.