Westwood questions Woods’ role

Lee Westwood feels some of the younger players in the US Ryder Cup team might not enjoy having Tiger Woods as a vice-captain.

American captain Davis Love III wasted little time in recruiting the 14-time major winner to his staff once it became apparent that Woods would not be available to play due to injury, and reports claim the he has embraced the challenge.

However, the Florida resident is not universally popular with players and media alike, and has polarised opinion during his stellar career.

Off-course problems and injuries have blighted the three-time Open champion’s career over the past few years and, at 40, it is unlikely that he will ever be the same player who dominated the sport for a decade.

Woods’ shadow will loom large over Hazeltine as he takes a role in the background and, according to Westwood, it is this fact that might actually work in Europe’s favour.

“I don’t know what impact there will be from having Tiger around,” he told ESPN. “They have always struggled to find a partner for Tiger that’s been successful.

“He could have an adverse effect in the team room. People have always seemed to try to do too much when they have partnered him.”

Tagged Lee Westwood, Ryder Cup, Tiger Woods