Share

Woods welcome on Ryder Cup team - Furyk

Paris - Fourteen-time major champion Tiger Woods would be "welcome" on the 2018 American Ryder Cup team, whether as a player or a vice-captain, skipper Jim Furyk said on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old Woods posted a video on Twitter of himself hitting a shot with his driver on Sunday and has been cleared to resume 'full golf activities' by doctors after his fourth back surgery in April.

He hasn't played since February, when he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic.

"I will say that Tiger Woods is a great resource and would be a welcome to the team, whether that would be as a playing personnel or whether that would be as a vice-captain," Furyk told a press conference in Paris.

"He's been a great resource and a great person to have in the team room, so I'm hoping he will be part of that team."

Woods served as a vice-captain in the USA's win at Hazeltine last year, and during the Presidents Cup thumping of the Internationals earlier this month.

But the former world number one last played in the Ryder Cup back in 2012, and has only been on the winning side once in his seven appearances.

Woods' last professional title came in 2013 when he won five on the PGA Tour, while he hasn't claimed a major championship since the 2008 US Open.

But were he to return to form before next year's showdown with Europe at Le Golf National in Paris, then there would be huge clamour for Furyk to give him a Ryder Cup place.

"I think that's great news. The swing that I saw on that video looked a lot like Tiger Woods," Furyk added.

"It reminded me of his swing of the past. It probably still needed a little speed. He probably still needs a little bit of golf strength maybe."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE