Tiger Woods Needs To Show 'Some Sign Of Being Competitive' For Ryder Cup Consideration
US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson insists Woods will play a major part in Rome whether or not he qualifies for the team
Tiger Woods will be a key figure in Zach Johnson’s US Ryder Cup team for Rome's Europe vs USA match at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club later this year but the question is, will he be playing or not?
Johnson underlined two factors in which will have to be considered for the 15-time Major winner to make the team in a playing capacity while speaking at the Sony Open: “I would only contemplate having him on the team if he was putting up some numbers and some scores, No.1, showing some sign of being competitive,” Johnson said.
“And then No.2, that discussion would be had with the other guys that are a part of that team, and specifically him. If there is anything I trust in Tiger Woods, is that he's extremely invested in this team and the future Cups. Extremely invested. I can't speak that enough."
The 46-year-old also believes that Woods will give an honest indication of his own physical fitness and whether or not he will be able to tackle the rigours of the Ryder Cup.
"And then I think you would do anything and everything for betterment of the team. I assume he would say, I don't like basing on assumptions, but I'm confident that he would say, yeah, I can play, or no, I can't, if that makes sense.
"Now, from all accounts, and we're communicating with him quite a bit. Actually trying to get a phone call here shortly, but nothing of any substance. He's a part of the team. It's just a matter of to what degree, right?”
Qualifying for the Ryder Cup could prove to be extremely difficult for Woods, as his limited playing schedule this year will play a major factor. He plans to tee it up at the four Majors while maybe adding in a few other PGA Tour events, but it looks likely that he will have to rely on a captain's pick in order to make the team.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Woods withdrew from his own Hero World Challenge event due to suffering from plantar fasciitis, however he did manage to play 12 holes in The Match last month alongside Rory McIlroy – albeit using a cart – as they were defeated by Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. He also completed 36 holes at the PNC Championship with son Charlie, again using a cart.
September seems a long way away, but Woods will have to do something very special, and see a drastic improvement in his fitness, before then to have a chance at making it onto Team USA.
Ross Kilvington is a freelance writer from Scotland who has had his work published by acclaimed publications such as Nutmeg alongside popular online blogs including the Gentleman Ultra, North Section and Engrossed in Football. Ross holds a passionate interest in golf and tries to play as often as possible, although having two daughters under the age of four means his quest to break 80 will have to wait a little bit longer. He writes about golf in his spare time, most recently having an article published in the Golf Memories anthology Mind the Links, which was released in July with all proceeds going towards Alzheimer charities. With a handicap that floats between 13-14, highlights are few and far between on the golf course, with an eagle on the par 4 16th at Kinghorn one that stands out (it doesn’t matter that it was only 290 yards!).
-
Rory McIlroy Set To Make Shock Return To PGA Tour Policy Board - Report
The World No.2 could be returning to the PGA Tour policy board as a player director once again after stepping down from the role last November
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
LIV Golf Adelaide Prize Money Payout 2024
The big-money League resumes and there’s another huge payout on offer for the 54 players in the field
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Set To Make Shock Return To PGA Tour Policy Board - Report
The World No.2 could be returning to the PGA Tour policy board as a player director once again after stepping down from the role last November
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Has A Unique Team Format - Here's How It Works
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans has a unique format, but how does the PGA Tour’s only team event work?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tiger Woods Names Jupiter Links GC TGL Roster
The 15-time Major winner has revealed the three players to compete alongside him in the delayed TGL next year
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Verne Lundquist Lifts Lid On Emotional Masters Farewell With Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods shared a poignant moment with the legendary broadcaster beside the 16th green in the final round at Augusta
By Ben Fleming Published
-
'Determined' Rory McIlroy Enjoying The Challenge Of Finding His Best Form Again
Despite another Masters disappointment, Rory McIlroy says he's enjoying the challenge of trying to find his best form again
By Paul Higham Published
-
RBC Heritage Tee Times - Rounds One And Two
Some of the world's best players are competing at Harbour Town, with Rory McIlroy paired with Ludvig Aberg
By Mike Hall Published
-
RBC Heritage Prize Money Payout 2024
Hot on the heels of The Masters comes the latest signature event on the PGA Tour, this time from Harbour Town in South Carolina
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Will Play The PGA Tour For The Rest Of My Career' - Rory McIlroy Emphatically Shuts Down $850m LIV Golf Report
The four-time Major winner has told the Golf Channel he has no intention of making the leap from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
By Mike Hall Published