There is a possibility that Tiger Woods may join the US Ryder Cup team, according to Zach Johnson.
Prior to the Sony Open in Hawaii, US team captain Johnson stated that he would not rule out choosing Woods to participate in the tournament if the 47-year-old did not qualify for the team on his own.
“I would only consider adding him to the team if he demonstrates competitiveness by achieving high scores and numbers,” Johnson stated at a press conference on Wednesday.
“And as for the second point, that conversation would take place with the other members of the team, including him. I have complete faith in Tiger Woods’ dedication to this team and future Cups. His investment in this is truly remarkable. I cannot emphasize that enough,” Johnson stated.
I believe that you have a strong commitment to the team and are willing to do whatever it takes to improve it. While I don’t want to make assumptions, I am certain that if asked, he would either agree to play or decline.
Last year, Johnson announced that Woods would have a role in the US Ryder Cup, stating that Woods had made it a top priority.
On January 8, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm celebrated his victory at the Sentry Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club. The stunning comeback secured Rahm the trophy, as captured in a photo by Harry How/Getty Images.
Johnson stated that due to the person’s identity and values, he is unable to provide information at this time. He is uncertain if the person will be present next year, but they will still have a role on the team in some form.
Johnson acknowledged that Woods’ health may cause complications.
The captain of the US Ryder Cup team stated that the individual has recently faced challenges such as travel, making it challenging for him.
Woods’ recent career has been hindered by injuries, causing a significant decrease in his playing time since he sustained severe leg injuries in a car accident in February 2021.
The 47-year-old decided not to participate in the Hero World Challenge in December due to his foot discomfort. During the seventh installment of The Match that same month, there were instances where he appeared to have difficulty with his mobility.
After his accident in 2021, Woods told Golf Digest that he believes it is feasible to play on the tour occasionally, similar to how Mr. (Ben) Hogan did, instead of full-time.
“Select a handful of events each year and focus on playing in those. Practice for those events and prepare yourself accordingly. This is the approach I will have to take moving forward.”
“It is a unfortunate truth, but it is my personal reality. I am aware of it and have come to terms with it.”
The Ryder Cup, a competition held every two years in either Europe or the US, will take place in Italy for the first time this year from September 25 to October 1. The venue for the event is the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, located 10 miles away from the heart of Rome.
The Ryder Cup was won by Team US in 2021 after a remarkably strong showing against Europe at Whistling Straits.
Jack Bantock of CNN provided additional information for this report.
