Tiger, Phil, Bryson named in US Ryder Cup team

PHILADELPHIA: Tiger Woods was named to the United States’ Ryder Cup team on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) as captain Jim Furyk also added veteran Phil Mickelson and in-form Bryson DeChambeau to his line-up.

Former world number one Woods had already been assured of a trip to Paris for the September 28- 30 showdown with Europe after being named as one of Furyk’s non-playing vice-captains.

However Woods’ form since his return to golf this year prompted Furyk to award him one of the four captain’s picks set aside for players who did not qualify automatically for the team.

“We’re all excited to see him hea lthy again and playing we l l , ” Furyk said of Woods, who missed most of the

2016 and 2017 seasons with a long-term back injury.

“It’s a feather in our cap to have him playing on our side,” Furyk added.

Woods, who has not played a Ryder Cup since 2012, revealed that he had set himself the target of making the US team at the start of the season.

“I haven’t been part of the team playing-wise for six years,” said the 42-year-old, who will be playing his eighth Ryder Cup.

“I served as a vice-captain a couple of years ago, and that was incredible. This year to have the honor to be able to play again is beyond special,” the 14-time major winner added.

“At the beginning of the year that was one of my goals, to make this team. I got the call from Jim and he asked if I would serve as a vice-captain and I said ‘Absolutely.’

“But also deep down I wanted to make the team. I really wanted to play on it. It was a goal for the end of the season and as the year progressed I was somehow able and behold I’m on the team. It’s incredible, beyond special.”

Mickelson and DeChambeau filled the other two captain’s picks announced by Furyk on Tuesday.

The US captain will announce champions’ team next week, with Tony Finau regarded as the front-runner for the position.

There had been little suspense surrounding Furyk’s announcement.

Mickelson was always regarded as a likely pick for what will be a record-breaking 12th Ryder Cup appearance. The 48-year-old reminded Furyk of his quality with a dazzling eightunderpar 63 in the final round of the Dell Technologies Championship on Monday.

The United States will

Cup victory on European soil in 25 years when they face Europe at Le Golf National in Saint- Quentin- enYvelines outside Paris.

Mickelson said ending that long US wait for a victory in Europe was his prime motivation.

DeChambeau, 24, had virtually guaranteed himself one of the captain’s picks after storming to victory in the opening two legs of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoff series, winning the Northern Trust and Dell Technologies Championship.