Pavin offers Tiger support

Tiger (L) with US Ryder Cup captain Pavin

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American Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin has given his full backing to embattled Tiger Woods.

Pavin will now be waiting and watching with great interest to see just how long the world number one's self-imposed "indefinite break" from golf lasts with the 2010 Ryder Cup only eight months away.

While some have speculated Woods may not be back in action by that time, Pavin expects the 14-time major champion to return and remain the same force when that time arises.

However, he insists his thoughts are at present with Woods himself and his family rather than on the game of golf.

"Who knows how long his indifferent leave will be, my main concern is for his family," he stated in London where he became the first non-European to receive the British Professional Golfers' Association annual recognition award for services to golf.

"My view of him as a golfer is not going to change at all and my view of him as a human being is not going to change either.

"Everybody makes mistakes. I'm not going to sit here in judgment - I am the last guy in the world to do that.

"I just hope things work out for him and Elin. It's obviously an emotional time for him, but I think he's going to be fine.

"Tiger's obviously a very strong-minded individual and I don't think he will play any differently when he comes back. He's come back from injuries and setbacks (Woods' father died in 2006) and done fine."

Big blow

Pavin did acknowledge that it would be a big blow if Woods were to miss next October's match at Celtic Manor, but was quick to point out the fact that America won without the world number one at Valhalla last year.

"To not have the best player in the world weakens the team," he added.

"But that does not mean we can't win without him because obviously we did last time, but you always want the best player in the world."