Tiger Woods takes on tactical role for US Ryder Cup team
Wednesday 3 August 2016 10:32, UK
Tiger Woods has taken on the role of tactician for the US team at next month's Ryder Cup, according to captain Davis Love III.
The 14-time major winner, who is one of Love's three vice-captains, has been using his time on the sidelines to mastermind an American victory at Hazeltine.
Woods is currently out of action after undergoing multiple back operations and was forced to miss all four majors in the past year.
However, the former world number one is determined to play his part at next month's tournament as the US attempts to win the trophy for the first time since 2008.
"He's been texting me some pairings and some groupings," Love said. "He's put a lot of thought into it and he's kind of our tactician.
"He's probably one of the most prepared guys when he shows up at a golf tournament. He's already picked his four wildcards.
"He knows who he wants to watch, who he wants to manage and who he'll get along well with."
The majority of the automatic qualifying places in both sides look well set.
Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, Jimmy Walker, Brooks Koepka, Zach Johnson, JB Holmes and Brandt Snedeker are currently the top eight players for the US team.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy heads up Europe's team, closely followed by Danny Willett, Henrik Stenson, Chris Wood, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Andy Sullivan and Matt Fitzpatrick.
European captain Darren Clarke is set to name his three wildcard picks in late August, while Love III will make his four selections in early September.
Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Matt Kuchar and Rickie Fowler are all in contention for a wildcard pick, with Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer also likely to be considered for the European team.
The tournament, which is due to be played at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota, will be held between September 30 and October 2 and shown live on Sky Sports.
