US Ryder Cup: Tiger Woods a must feature says Johnson

Tiger Woods is set to feature in Team USA’s Ryder Cup setup in Rome next year, according to captain Zach Johnson. The Americans recorded a record-breaking 19-9 victory over their European rivals at Whistling Straits in 2021, and will head to Italy to defend their title next September.

The man looking to lead his team to back-to-back victories is Johnson, and the two-time major champion has revealed golfing great Woods will have some involvement in his team. Speaking in Rome on Tuesday, he confirmed: “He will be a part of this team in some capacity – he already is, frankly,

“I can’t put this mildly: he loves the Ryder Cup. He has made it a priority. He’s gone through some things as of late that make it difficult. But he wants to be a part of it as best he can.

“He’s very much going to be relied upon. He is very calculated when it comes to these team events – he puts a lot of energy and effort into them, whether it’s phone calls, FaceTime, or just text messages for those he hasn’t been at.

“I remember in 2016 when he was the vice captain and he fully embraced his role. I will rely upon him, and not only myself but some of the players. He’s very much a part of Team USA. He is extremely passionate about the Ryder Cup, and it shows in a number of different ways.”

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Across his remarkable career, Woods has played a pivotal role for his nation in the two-team event, having played eight times as a player between 1997 and 2018. The American’s involvement as a player though now seems all but over, after moving his career to a part-time one.