Watson wants to have heart-to-heart talk with Woods
ST ANDREWS: United States captain Tom Watson will seek to heal any rift with Tiger Woods ahead of next year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, Scotland.
Watson has not spoken at length with Woods since the eight-time Major winning Kansasborn golfer was very outspoken at the 2010 Dubai Desert Classic following revelations months earlier of Woods’ extra-marital affairs, saying Woods “messed up” and that he “had to take ownership” and “get his personal life back in order”.
“I really have not sat down with Tiger since then though I did sit down beside him at the former champions dinner at this year’s US Open and we just had a normal conversation,” said Watson.
“But I have not sat with Tiger privately and I will have a sit down conversation with him. I will need to do that with everybody.”
And Watson, who has just spent two days in Scotland as part of the “One Year To Go” celebrations, has disagreed with Woods conceding Francesco Molinari’s putt in the final Sunday Singles match at last year’s Ryder Cup.
Woods gesture ensured the pair halved their match and moments after Europe had claimed victory in a stunning come-from-behind success.
“Personally, I probably would not have done that as I would want to win the match the best way I can,” said Watson.
“But then you look at Jack Nicklaus conceding the putt of Tony Jacklin’s in the ’69 Ryder Cup at Birkdale to ensure the matches ended in a tie.
“Jack said to Tony ‘I know you wouldn’t miss it but I am not going to let you have the opportunity’. “So I think Tiger did the same thing.” Woods has competed in all but one Ryder Cup since making his debut in 1997 and with the exception being in 2008 when injured.
However he enjoys one of the poorest records winning just 13 of 33 matches.
And when Watson was asked why he thought Woods’ record in the Ryder Cup is poor he simply responded: “Search me! It’s an enigma to me. I don’t know.
“I guess all he can do is play better.” — AFP