Ryder Cup 2023: Tiger Woods will play role in US team says captain Zach Johnson
Tiger Woods has played on eight Ryder Cup teams in the past, though is still working his way back to top form having suffered leg injuries during a car crash in February 2021; next year's Ryder Cup will be held in Rome, Italy at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
By Associated Press
Last Updated: 05/10/22 8:45am
Whether Tiger Woods makes it to Italy or not for next year's Ryder Cup, he will be an integral member of the U.S. team, captain Zach Johnson said Tuesday at the year-to-go ceremonies.
"Given who he is and what he's all about, I can tell you right now, I don't know if he'll be here next year, but he'll be a part of this team in some capacity," Johnson said. "He already is, practically.
"I can't put this mildly - he loves the Ryder Cup. He has made it a priority of his and certainly of Team USA. He wants to be a part of it as best he can."
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Woods was a player on eight Ryder Cup teams and a vice-captain in 2018, before breaking bones in his right leg and ankle in a February 2021 car crash outside Los Angeles.
Next year's event will be held on the hilly Marco Simone course outside Rome.
"Obviously he's gone through some things as of late that make it difficult, whether it's travel or what have you, but he and I will be in constant communication," Johnson said. "He has great ideas. He is great at encouragement, always positive."
The U.S. romped to a record 19-9 rout of Europe at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, last year, and also won the Presidents Cup comfortably last month.
"The beauty of where we are as Team USA is we've got some really great youth," Johnson said. "And their role model on the golf course is Tiger Woods.
"I don't know what's going to happen next September, but you can rest assured that he will be in constant communication with our team."
