Woods named as US vice-captain

USA captain Davis Love III has set his stall out early by naming Tiger Woods as one of his vice-captains for the 2016 Ryder Cup.

Love is back in charge of the American dozen after presiding over their devastating loss to Europe at Medinah back in 2012.

Jose Maria Olazabal’s men came back from 10-6 down on the final day to claim the spoils and they were also far too good for their opponents at Gleneagles last year, with Paul McGinley masterminding another European success.

There have been accusations that the US do not take the biennial event as seriously as they should, with Europe having won eight of the last 10 match-ups, but Love is having none of that this time around.

Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk will also join Tom Lehman as vice-captains, with rumours that Phil Mickelson might also be in the back-room staff.

And Love insists he has gone public early with his assistants to show the golfing world that they mean business.

“These three guys, joining Tom Lehman, will send a message to our team that we are really serious about this Ryder Cup,” he said.

“We are ahead of the game this time and it lets potential team members know that we are going to do whatever it takes to put them in the best position to win in 2016.”

Woods is currently recovering from yet more back surgery and is now way down the world rankings, but he made it clear his preference is to be part of the playing staff at Hazeltine.

“Once I’m fully healthy, I’d like to try to make the team too,” he said. “Either way, I’m very excited to work with Davis, the other vice-captains and the players to get a US victory.”

Tagged Davis Love III, Ryder Cup, Tiger Woods