Ben Curtis has landed a spot in the American Ryder Cup team after finishing joint runner-up to Padraig Harrington in the USPGA Championship on Sunday.

The tournament at Oakland Hills was the last chance for the top eight ranked US golfers to win automatic qualification.

Curtis moved up to seventh in the Cup reckoning as he joined Sergio Garcia on two shots behind Harrington.

"It is almost a victory in itself," said Curtis.

Garcia looks like another who will make the showdown in Kentucky as he moved up to third in the European rankings, which have yet to be finalised.

Europe captain Nick Faldo will have some tough choices, with Ryder Cup veteran Colin Montgomerie among regulars who are outside the top-ranked players.

The 37th Ryder Cup takes place at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville from September 19-21.

United States captain Paul Azinger will name his four wildcard selections on September 2 as his side seeks to win the trophy for the first time since 1999.

"I love Ben Curtis a lot, and I love the fact he's made the team," said Azinger.

Curtis, winner of the 2003 Open at Sandwich, jumped from 20th to seventh, moving Steve Stricker out of the guaranteed places.

The eight players now on the team are: Stewart Cink, Phil Mickelson, Kenny Perry, Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Justin Leonard, Boo Weekley and Curtis.