Woods takes on tactical role

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August 3, 2016

American Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III has revealed that Tiger Woods will be largely in charge of tactics for the US team at this year's event.

The 14-time major winner has been appointed as one of the team's three vice-captains and has spent his time on the sidelines plotting how best to ensure the Americans walk away with the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008.

Woods, whose ranking has dropped to 647th in the world, has missed each of this year's majors while recuperating from multiple back operations in recent times.

"He's been texting me some pairings and some groupings," Love III said.

"He's put a lot of thought into it and he's kind of our tactician.

"He's probably one of the most prepared guys when he shows up at a golf tournament. He's already picked his four wildcards.

"He knows who he wants to watch, who he wants to manage and who he'll get along well with."

From an American perspective, the team virtually picks itself.

Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, Jimmy Walker, Brooks Koepka, and Zach Johnson are shoo-ins, while JB Holmes and Brandt Snedeker look set to complete the top eight.

For the Europeans, out-of-form Rory McIlroy headlines the team, with Danny Willett, Henrik Stenson, Chris Wood, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Andy Sullivan and Matt Fitzpatrick currently in the remaining qualifying places.

Darren Clarke, the European captain, will name his three wildcard picks in late August, while Love III will follow suit at the start of next month.

Any of Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Matt Kuchar and Rickie Fowler could make the selection, while the likes of Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer could come into play for the European team.

This year's Ryder Cup will be played at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota from September 30 to October 2.

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