When the competition kicks off on Friday, the US Ryder Cup team will be without one of the country’s all-time golf legends. Tiger Woods is once more excluded from the 13-man roster, marking his five-year absence from the tournament as a former world number one.
Captain Zach Johnson has, however, discussed the prospect of Woods exerting an influence on the team as they attempt to triumph in Europe for the first time since 1993.
Why isn’t Woods playing? What is he up to now, and what is his Ryder Cup record? The Sporting News explains the state of play.
Why isn’t Tiger Woods part of the 2023 US Ryder Cup team?
Woods’ two tournament appearances so far this season mean he has played in a total of eight in the last three years.
The iconic veteran’s inaction gave him no logical prospect qualifying for automatic selection or featuring as a captain’s pick on the team.
Speaking in January, Johnson said he would only consider Woods for selection “if he was putting up some numbers and some scores” and “showing some sign of being competitive”.
Woods tied for 45th at the Genesis Invitational in February and was forced out of the Masters two months later through injury.
He made a record-equalling 23rd consecutive cut at the major but was bottom of the leaderboard when he withdrew, having suffered visible discomfort.
Where is Tiger Woods?
Speaking before the start of the Ryder Cup in Rome, Johnson said Woods would not attend because he has “a lot on his plate”.
That includes the announcement that he will create a new sports bar business with pop star Justin Timberlake, with the first outlet opening in New York.
“The idea for T-Squared Social came to us during a round of golf at Albany, our development in the Bahamas,” Woods said of his collaboration with Timberlake.
“Justin and I thought it would be cool to create a place that combines our favorite things and brings people together to just have a great time.”
Woods also recently acted as caddie for his 14-year-old son, Charlie, during the prospect’s win at a regional qualifier tournament.
When was Tiger Woods’ last tournament?
The sorry end Woods endured to his Masters campaign in April is the most recent tournament the 47-year-old took part in, although he remains influential off the course.
Johnson emphasized that Woods was unlikely to be involved in guiding the team from afar during the Ryder Cup but said he had played a part in preparations.
“He’s always in our corner,” said Johnson. “At this point, it’s more encouragement on his side – whether he’s texting the guys or texting the vice-captains and captains.
“He’s there to encourage because he’s very invested in what we do year-in and year-out with Team USA. That has never ceased, and I’m grateful for that.”
Tiger Woods’ Ryder Cup record
The Ryder Cup has been an underwhelming experience for Woods as a player, rarely reflecting his remarkable individual success in the sport.
The US have lost seven and won only one of the editions when Woods has been involved, with their
