Ryder Cup: Zach Johnson open to Tiger Woods having playing role for Team USA for Rome contest | Golf News

Team USA becomes Ryder Cup holder after record win at Whistling Straits in 2021; Zach Johnson says Tiger Woods will join the Americans in some capacity when they face Europe in Rome this September, live on Sky Sports

Team USA captain Zach Johnson refused to rule out a role for Tiger Woods at this year’s Ryder Cup, although he admitted there were factors to consider for him to feature in Rome.

Woods made the latest of his eight Ryder Cup appearances in 2018 and also previously served as vice-captain during the 2016 victory at Hazeltine, with the former world No. 1 also appearing in nine Presidents Cups for Team USA.

The 15-time major champion has appeared in only three official events since suffering career-threatening foot and ankle injuries in a car accident outside Los Angeles in February 2021, Woods is expected to play a limited schedule again this season.

Johnson previously said Woods will “play an integral role in some capacity” for Team USA as it looks to regain the Ryder Cup this September at the Marco Simone Golf Club.live on Sky Sports, although it has not given up hope that he is a potential player for Team USA.

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Ryder Cup captains Luke Donald and Zach Johnson avoided talking about LIV Golf because of the lack of clarity about qualifying for the Ryder Cup.

“I will only contemplate having him in the team if he felt – if he puts up some numbers and some scores, No. 1, shows some signs of being competitive,” Johnson told the media ahead of the Sony Open. “Then No. 2 , the discussion will take place with other men who are part of the team, and especially him.

“If there’s anything I believe in Tiger Woods, it’s that he’s invested in this team and the future of the Cup. So invested. I can’t say enough.

“I think you’re going to do anything and everything to improve the team. I think he’s going to say — I don’t like to base it on assumptions, but I’m sure he’s going to say, ‘yes, I can play’, or ‘no, I can’t’ , if that makes sense.

“We’ve been in touch with him for a little while now. Actually tried to make a phone call here a little while ago, but nothing happened. He’s part of the team. It’s just about what degree, right?

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European captain Luke Donald believes his team will be underdogs against the United States in next year’s Ryder Cup, although opposite number Zach Johnson disagrees with his assessment.

“The other part is this golf course. You’ve seen it. It’s fun in a golf cart. I don’t think it’s going to be a lot of fun just walking around, because you know, it’s rare – it’s definitely higher than Augusta National.”

Team USA claimed a record-breaking 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits in 2021 but have not won on European soil in the biennial contest since 1993, with Johnson embracing the challenge of achieving historic success.

“There are a lot of good aspects to this tournament, and I think so [home advantage] is one of them,” Johnson added. “I like the fact that it is extremely difficult to win over there [in Europe]. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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See the best action from the final day of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin

“Yes, if it’s my turn to represent our team here, I will definitely take responsibility if everyone knows. But if I have a choice, I want to lead the team there. I am very different. I like difficult. situations. I like to be uncomfortable . I like to prove everyone wrong. It’s just the way I’m built, the way I’m wired.

“The way I see it, that scenario is just – I keep saying it, but I like the word opportunity. I don’t want to say that there is another motivation, but I will say: When I turn on the TV and no team is playing, I will still watch sports , and I want a team that shouldn’t win to win. That makes me.

Watch the Ryder Cup from 29 September-1 October exclusively on Sky Sports!