Darren Clarke says the appointment of Woods as one of Davis Love III’s Ryder Cup assistants will give the United States team a boost.
Europe captain Darren Clarke hopes Tiger Woods’ presence within the United States team at next year’s Ryder Cup will not provide too much of a boost to Davis Love III’s side.
Woods was selected as one of Love’s assistants for the event at the Hazeltine National Golf Course, the 14-time major winner named alongside Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker.
The 39-year-old who is recovering from two back operations hopes to be a playing assistant for the event, but regardless of whether or not he competes, Clarke knows Woods’ mere presence will give the hosts a lift.
“I think with Tiger, and knowing him as well as I do, he will be massive for the team and he will be involved as he’s shown us by accepting Davis’ invitation,” he said at the Australian Open. “He will also be trying desperately to be playing on the team. So certainly, Tiger’s a great addition to Davis’ side whether that be playing or behind the scenes as a vice captain.”
Clarke has yet to name any of his own and says he will leave it as long as possible before making an announcement.
“I haven’t announced any vice-captains yet. For one very good reason,” he said. “To do so at this stage would mean offending people. If I ask someone now it means I don’t think he is going to make the team. I don’t want to do that. Maybe around Augusta I’ll feel out a few people to see what they think. That’s always been our way of doing things.
“The vice captains have always been guys who are still active on tour and who will hopefully have a chance to be captain in the future.”