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By Abbey Mastracco
PGATOUR.com staff

Eleven years ago Steve Stricker played for the United States in the Presidents Cup, posting a 2-3 record -- including a 6-and-5 singles win over Robert Allenby.

Stricker hasn't played well enough to make another Presidents Cup team, though. But that could change this summer.

Steve Stricker is a Presidents Cup veteran. (WireImage)

The 2006 Comeback Player of the Year has cashed some big paychecks of late, highlighted by a tie for 13th at the U.S. Open and a share of second Sunday at the AT&T National. Since the American standings are based on money earned with the points doubled this year, Stricker now stands at No. 8 in the American rankings, up seven spots from last week.

"The Presidents Cup is something I've been aiming for this year," Stricker said. "That's something I'm looking forward to and hopefully a couple more good events, I can get on that team."

The teams will be finalized at the end of the PGA Championship, when the top-10 players in the American and International standings automatically qualify. Captains Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will complete their teams with two Captain's Picks on Aug. 13.

As the summer heats up, the idea of playing at The Royal Montreal Golf Club is beginning to enter players' minds.

"I don't think there should be an American player that doesn't think about it," Lucas Glover said. "It's an honor and goal for all of us, I hope. I know it is for me."

Last season, Glover made his desire to make the Ryder Cup team known. And at one point in the season Glover was so close he could practically see the K Club on the horizon. But Glover tumbled in the standings in the weeks leading up to the team selections, and he was not picked by American captain Tom Lehman.

K.J. Choi cracked the top 10 in the standings with his win in the nation's capital. (WireImage)

Glover said he looked at the points list almost religiously last year, and he admitted it may have affected his performances. This year Glover is doing things differently.

"Last night was the first time since April I've looked at the list," Glover said Saturday. He remains 12th on the U.S. list, but could improve his position with a strong finish this week at the John Deere Classic.

The biggest jump made last week in the nation's capital came not by an American, but a Korean.

After cracking the top-10 with a win at the Memorial early last month, K.J. Choi was in danger of falling out after strong performances from other international players in recent tournaments. Choi's win at the AT&T National has boosted his Official World Golf Ranking, which is what the International standings are based on. His win moved him up three spots to No. 6.

"I just want to thank the Lord for just bringing me this win and all of the success I've had in my career," Choi said Sunday night. "Just, you know, going up to the fourth in the FedExCup rankings and securing my spot in the Presidents Cup team is just unbelievable. I feel great right now. It just gives me more confidence."

PGATOUR.com takes a look at the contenders and possible Captains Picks:

American:
1. Lucas Glover, No. 12
Glover wants to make the team, and he wants it bad. He is playing his heart out in these summer tournaments, trying to make up for a missed cut at the U.S. Open. Glover has two straight top-15s, with a tie for 10th at the Buick Open and a tie for 12th at the AT&T National. If he's playing hard now, he'll be sure to play just as hard -- if not harder -- at Royal Montreal in September.

2. Fred Funk, No. 27
If there is anyone that wants it more than Glover it's Funk. Funk has said that one of the thrills of his life has been playing for national teams. The 51-year-old is still just as competitive as any 31-year-old on TOUR. Funk also has considerable team experience, as he has been on two Presidents Cup teams and one Ryder Cup team.

International:
1. Stuart Appleby, No. 11
Appleby has been on the bubble for weeks now, going back and forth between Nos. 11 and 12, but he just can't seem to crack the top-10. Appleby doesn't have a high number of top-10 finishes, but he's good in the clutch, always finishing high in some of the toughest tournaments and on the toughest courses.

2. Robert Allenby, No. 13
A 70.08 closing round scoring average, 11th on TOUR, would be a great addition to any team for competition the magnitude of the Presidents Cup. Allenby went from tied for 21st to finish the AT&T National tied for sixth.