Tiger Woods will have role with US Ryder Cup team, captain says

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Zach Johnson, the United States team captain for the Ryder Cup, said Tiger Woods will have a role with the team no matter if he makes it to Italy next year or not. 

Woods has been a mainstay on the Ryder Cup U.S. team for the past eight tournaments, but he is still dealing with the effects of the car crash he went through in February 2021, where he broke bones in his right leg and ankle. 

Nonetheless, Johnson understands the importance of Woods on his team.

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Zach Johnson of The United States talks to the media in a press conference during the Ryder Cup 2023 Year to Go Media Event at Marco Simone Golf Club on October 04, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

"Given who he is and what he’s all about, I can tell you right now, I don’t know if he’ll be here next year, but he’ll be a part of this team in some capacity," he told reporters. "He already is, practically."

Next year’s tournament will be held in Rome, Italy at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, which is a naturally hilly course. Walking that course, let alone playing competitive golf, requires any golfer to have a strong lower half. Woods still has time before that comes, but Johnson understands his current situation. 

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"Obviously he’s gone through some things as of late that make it difficult, whether it’s travel or what have you, but he and I will be in constant communication," Johnson explained. "He has great ideas. He is great at encouragement, always positive."

(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Woods’ competitive spirit is the epitome of