Tiger Woods Will Not Be a Part of U.S. Ryder Cup Traveling Party in Rome

While Tiger Woods was a part of the last U.S. Ryder Cup team to play in Europe back in 2018, his role this year will mirror his from 2021.

Motivator, cheerleader, and whatever else is needed from afar. 

U.S. captain Zach Johnson said that Woods has chosen not to travel to Rome for the big event later this month, but he is very active in the American team overall. 

“He is a great resource,” Johnson said. “He’s very invested in Team USA, very invested in how we navigate year in and year out Team USA because the guy is patriotic, he wants to win, he’s got experience and, shocker, he’s the best player in whatever decades. Thankfully, he’s an American. He is red, white, and blue, through and through.

“Personally speaking, I could show you the text messages he and I have had … a lot of them are so great in support and belief and faith. I got to tag along with him as a vice-captain in his captainship in Australia, and the man knows what he is talking about … he’s amazing, and he will continue to be a part of Team USA going forward. He will not be in Rome, which is fine, it’s probably not wise, it was more or less his decision, but he’s great counsel.”

Zach Johnson gives his account of decision making at the Ryder Cup as a player and now as a Captain 🇺🇸 @Aon_plc | #RyderCupAon

pic.twitter.com/34GUTWPsb6

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 7, 2023

The U.S. team handed it to Europe two years ago at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, winning 19-9 for the biggest margin of victory in 50 years. Many credited Woods for firing up the team to perform at the level it did. 

Interestingly enough, Woods’ record at the Ryder Cup is surprisingly pedestrian. The 15-time major winner won just one Ryder Cup as a player with a combined record of 13-21-3. 

The event takes place Sept. 29-Oct. 1 from Marco Simone Golf Club in Italy. The U.S. team is a slight betting favorite, but the odds tightened up after the European team was announced this week.

Cover Image via CNN