By Rahul Banerji
Tiger Woods has said it was the support received from the new generation of stars that made his comeback from injury possible even as he takes up the challenge of seeing the United States home in the 2019 Presidents Cup.
Not very long ago, Tiger had said he was unsure if he would ever play golf at the highest level again.
Just 14 months on, he had not only returned to the game, but added an 80th PGA Tour title to his collection and put in some compelling performances at the year’s four majors. Those included second place finishes at the Open Championship and PGA Championship.
Tiger also made clear he would like a playing role as captain in next year’s Presidents Cup at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
Speaking in Melbourne, Tiger said, “The guys really, they really encouraged me to comeback and play. They were offering whatever, dinner or practice rounds or practice, I’ll fly down here, let’s just get me being a part of the game of golf again.
“The text messages and the calls I got last year through the Presidents Cup, was very uplifting,” Woods said at a press conference alongside the Yarra River on Thursday.
Active role
He also made it clear he wants to help the US extend their domination over the International Team, which will be led Ernie Els.
In 12 editions since 1994, the USA have won 10 times, lost once at Royal Melbourne in 1998 and tied with the Internationals in South Africa in 2003 where Woods battled Els in a sudden-death play-off in near darkness.
“Hopefully I can be a part of the automatic eight that automatically qualify,” he said.
“If I don’t happen to be a part of that, then it’s up to me, my vice captains and the rest of the eight guys who automatically qualify on who’s going to be a part of the team, who best fits our groupings, our pairings.
“Hopefully I’ll be a part of the top eight. If not, then we’ve got to work on it,” said Woods, who is currently 16th on the team rankings.
‘Great sports city’
“Playing here in the Sand Belt golf courses, it’s just heaven,” Woods said at another event. “We are in probably one of the greatest sporting countries, cities in the world.”
Tiger has played in eight Presidents Cups but believes the next edition will be extra special.
“You know, I’ve been a part of the Presidents Cup for 20 years.
“Now to have the opportunity to be a captain and to lead my guys into an environment that’s going to be fun, it’s going to be exciting, it’s going to be electric, and on top of that, on one of the best venues in all the world.
“There’s really nothing better as a player to evolve into the role of being a captain,” he said.
Also read: A Tiger Woods return visit to India on the cards soon?
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