Cup on cards as Woods ties record

TIGER Woods equalled the all-time PGA Tour victory record and conceded he “got the captain’s attention” 10 days out from the deadline to pick himself to play in December’s Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

The three-shot victory at the ZOZO Championships in Japan was Woods 82nd, equalling the effort of legendary Sam Snead and propelled Woods, 43, to number six on the world rankings.

It was the first tournament for Woods, who will captain Team USA later this year, since knee surgery two months ago, and his only chance to solidify his Presidents Cup playing credentials before he locks in the four captain’s picks next Friday. Woods, who won his fifth Masters title in April, has the support of his eight automatic selections, including world number four Justin Thomas, to pick himself.

“If he’s healthy and playing well, I’d take him 100 times out of 100,” Thomas said.

Garry Woodland, the US Open winner who played the final round in Japan with Woods and is seeking a captain’s pick himself, said Woods would be “dumb” not to. “If he doesn’t, that’s dumb. It’s hard to bet against that guy, especially in match play. I would pick him,” Woodland, who finished fifth, said.

Still managing back stiffness and also playing with the knee he had repaired for the fifth time in August, Woods gave a fairly significant hint ahead of making his Presidents Cup picks.

“I think the player got the captain’s attention,” Woods said. “I can still manage my way around the golf course. I know how to play. I was able to do that this week.”