HOYLAKE, ENGLAND // Tiger Woods believes he should be at this year’s Ryder Cup – but he accepts he may have to do more to convince United States captain Tom Watson.
The former world No 1 is on the comeback trail after a three-month lay-off following a back operation.
Woods’s appearance at the British Open at Hoylake this week was just his second since undergoing surgery in March.
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After playing all four rounds at Royal Liverpool, Woods appears to have proved his fitness, but his form is a different matter.
The 14-time major winner had mixed fortunes on the Merseyside links, finishing 6 over and in 69th place, his worst 72-hole result in a major.
Having fallen well down the standings for automatic Gleneagles selection during his absence, he may be relying on being named as one of Watson’s wildcard picks for the September match.
Woods thinks he should be considered.
“I would say yes, but that’s my position, my take on it,” he said. “He’s the captain, obviously it’s his decision. He’s going to field the best 12 players that he thinks will win the cup back, and I hope I’m on that team.”
Woods has been a wildcard pick before, in 2010, when Corey Pavin added him to his side for the competition at Celtic Manor.
“I got picked by Corey back in whenever it was when we played in Wales,” said Woods, 38. “I felt like I was able to contribute to the team and that’s all you want as a pick, you want someone who can contribute to the team, whether it’s in support or it’s in play. I did it then and hopefully I can actually earn my way onto this team.”
Woods needs convincing performances in at the Bridgestone Invitational – which he won last year – and the US PGA Championship at Valhalla.
“Well, I’d like to win the next two tournaments I’m in,” he said. “That should take care of that.”
Woods’ final round at Hoylake included a double-bogey six at the seventh hole and four other bogeys.
“I got four rounds in, unfortunately I didn’t play very well today,” he said after a 3-over 75. “It was a little different on the first day, obviously, but I just made too many mistakes. I had two triples, two doubles. Just way too many mistakes.
“But the fact I was able to play a few weeks ahead of time, and I’m only getting stronger and faster, is great.”
Woods, a triple Open champion, finished five strokes behind Watson, 64, who closed with an impressive 68. Only three of the 72 players to make the cut finished below Woods.
Watson said he will pick Woods for Gleneagles if form and fitness warrants it but will make no guarantees if Woods fails to make the play-offs for the FedEx Cup.
Phil Mickelson is another high-profile American player currently outside automatic selection.
“I can assure you that I’m not going to pick them automatically,” Watson said.
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