US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III has handed Tiger Woods his only realistic chance of attending next year’s Ryder Cup, after announcing the former world No.1 as one of his five vice-captains for the matches at Hazeltine.
Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker were also named alongside Woods, and together with earlier appointment Tom Lehman, and a further appointment to be announced later, will assist Love with Team USA’s attempt to wrestle the Ryder Cup from Europe.
Woods’s appointment is effectively ends his hopes of being named as one of Love’s wildcards. Currently out of action following a second back operation, and languishing at 380th in the world rankings, Woods is unlikely to be able to turn around his form sufficiently to make the team through the normal qualification process.
Despite his numerous set backs, Woods is still hopeful that he can battle his way back onto the team. “Once I’m fully healthy, I’d like to try to make the team, but either way, I’m very excited to work with Davis, the other vice-captains, and the players, to get a US victory,” he said.
The 2016 Ryder Cup takes place next year at Hazeltine National Golf Club between September 27 and October 2.