LAND OF THE RISING TIGER
Woods back with mind on Presidents Cup
As if there were not enough big sporting beasts in Japan right now, Tiger Woods has flown in for his first tournament since August, following his latest bout of knee surgery. straight into a world of intrigue as well.
As captain of the United states Presidents Cup team, does he pick himself for the match against Ernie Els’s international team at Royal Melbourne in December, and so become the first playing skipper since Hale irwin in 1994?
This week’s event, the inaugural Zozo Championship in Tokyo, will be Woods’ only competitive appearance before he names his four selections in a fortnight.
The 43-year- old certainly looked healthy when taking part in a skins exhibition alongside Rory Mcilroy, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama yesterday. Naturally, there was plenty of rust early on, but he was moving far more freely than the discomforted soul we saw at the Open at Royal Portrush in July.
Woods revealed 18 months ago that he wanted to be a playing captain. Back then, with everyone fearing the worst due to his back ailments, he was laughed out of court. He looked a certainty following his victory at Augusta, but more fitness problems led to a summer where he barely played. ‘i really don’t want to be in a position where i have to pick myself,’ he said over a year ago. He was more positive about the idea yesterday. feeling good, and with a green jacket to parade around in, will do that for a man.
But, also looking for picks are the likes of Us Open champion Gary Woodland, Tony finau, Patrick Reed and the newly-wed Rickie fowler, who all finished above him in the automatic standings.
Asked about his selection dilemma, Woods admitted: ‘During my enforced break, i’ve been consumed by it.’
All of which adds to the fascination regarding a rare autumn appearance, his first in an official PGA Tour event since 2011. Could Woods become the first captain in either the history of the Presidents Cup, or the modern Ryder Cup for that matter, to pick himself? Clearly, it is not just those two momentous semi-finals that are worth keeping an eye on in Japan this weekend.