Key is how well Woods has played: Furyk
ST LOUIS: Tiger Woods has earned a spot on the American Ryder Cup team with his recent hot form, captain Jim Furyk hinted yesterday.
Speaking 14 hours after the PGA Championship, in which Woods finished second to fellow American Brooks Koepka, Furyk said form was an important factor in determining his four captain’s picks.
Former world No 1 Woods finished 11th in the US standings, not among the eight players who qualified automatically after the PGA Championship.
Furyk would not be pinned down on whether Woods was guaranteed a place in the team, skirting the question, no doubt cognisant of the diplomacy his job requires.
‘‘I’m not sure numbers are all that important. What is important is how well Tiger has played,’’
Furyk said.
‘‘His game is trending. It’s great to see him playing well. For me the numbers are nice, good to look at, but not always the most important. We want the players who are going to help us be successful.’’
Woods, a 14time major champion, is on the team as a vicecaptain, a role he filled at the 2016 Ryder Cup and 2017 Presidents Cup while he was out with a potentially careerending back injury.
‘‘It’s been a big boost to having maybe the best player who ever lived following your group and being there for support. He’s a huge value,’’ Furyk said.
Furyk will name three of his captain’s picks on September 3, and will announce the final selection a week later.
The biennial match against Europe will be played at Le National in Paris on September 2830.
The US has not won away since 1993.
Furyk sounded excited about the eight who have made a team loaded with talent.
They include the top three in the world rankings — Dustin Johnson, Koepka and Justin Thomas, and all eight are ranked among the world’s leading 20 players.
The events that unfolded in Monday’s final round at Bellerive augured well for the Americans, not just the form of Woods but the victory of Koepka, who in 14 months has piled up three major titles. — Reuters