ROME — Whether or not Tiger Woods makes it to Italy or not for subsequent yrs Ryder Cup, hell be an integral member of the U.S. workforce, captain Zach Johnson mentioned Tuesday on the year-to-go ceremonies.
Given who hes and what he is all about, I can inform you proper now, I do not know if hell be right here subsequent yr, however hell be part of this workforce in some capability, Johnson mentioned. He already is, virtually.
I can not put this mildly — he loves the Ryder Cup. He has made it a precedence of his and definitely of Staff USA. He desires to be part of it as greatest he can.
Woods was a participant on eight Ryder Cup groups and a vice captain in 2018. However he broke bones in his proper leg and ankle in a February 2021 automotive crash exterior Los Angeles.
Subsequent yrs occasion might be held on the hilly Marco Simone course exterior Rome.
Clearly he is gone by means of some issues as of late that make it tough, whether or not it is journey or what have you ever, however he and I might be in fixed communication, Johnson mentioned. He has nice concepts. Hes nice at encouragement, at all times optimistic.
The U.S. romped to a document 19-9 rout of Europe at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, final yr, and in addition gained the Presidents Cup comfortably final month.
The great thing about the place were as Staff USA is we have got some actually nice youth, Johnson mentioned. And their position mannequin on the golf course is Tiger Woods.
I do not know what is going on to occur subsequent September, however you may relaxation assured that he might be in fixed communication with our workforce.
The standing of many prime gamers for the 2023 version is doubtful amid lawsuits filed on either side of the Atlantic involving the Saudi-backed breakaway sequence LIV Golf.
However Europe captain Luke Donald mentioned there has not been a single dialogue with U.S. officers this week in regards to the battle.
Johnson additionally had little to say in regards to the matter.
Were two separate entities and so theres powers that be which are quite a bit smarter than me that cope with that. … That is out of my realm and out of my management, Johnson instructed The Related Press. I would like 12 guys that need to be on the 2023 American Ryder Cup workforce.
Contemplating the efficiency that the U.S. placed on in Wisconsin, plus the Presidents Cup win that includes a workforce with all 12 gamers among the many prime 25 on the earth rating, the People could possibly be favored subsequent yr.
That will be a brand new wrinkle as by the point of the Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2023 occasion, itll have been 30 years for the reason that final time Europe misplaced at residence — in 1993 at The Belfry in England.
I totally anticipate us to be underdogs regardless of that proportion of (residence) wins during the last 30 years, Donald mentioned.
Johnson was then requested if he actually thought Europe is the underdog.
I can provide you a one-word reply: No. Johnson mentioned. Evidently, theyve been very snug over right here for 30 years. So, No.
Info from The Related Press was used on this report.