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With one tournament remaining to be played before Tiger Woods makes four captain’s picks to round out the U.S. Presidents Cup team, his roster appears to be taking shape.
Woods is expected to announce the final four members of his squad after this week’s WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. Based on what has happened through the fall and particularly at the Zozo Championship, it looks easier to project whom Woods will add to the eight players who qualified automatically.
Let’s start with Woods, who has hinted about his interest in being the first playing captain since Hale Irwin did it in 1994. Woods has said all along that he will base his potential participation on how he feels and plays before decision time.
His victory at the Zozo Championship answered the questions about his game and his conditioning, suggesting he will play at Royal Melbourne in Australia in December. It’s a matter now of Woods deciding if he wants to both captain and play.
“I think the player definitely got the captain's attention,” Woods deadpanned during a greenside television interview moments after wrapping up his three-stroke win in Japan.
In most Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup years, the first player in the points race who did not qualify typically is added to the team by the captain. In this case, that would be Tony Finau, who has continued to play consistently and seems a virtual lock to be added.
Ditto for U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland, who has used the past two weeks in Asia to solidify his candidacy to be picked for Woods’ squad. He has not been part of a national team and with a game and temperament that fits with anyone, he appears a natural fit.
That, theoretically, leaves one open spot. Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth likely are out based on their lackluster play in recent months. That leaves as favorites Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Kevin Na and perhaps either Matthew Wolff or Collin Morikawa if Woods wants to be unconventional.
The answers will come next week. Until then, Woods has the benefit of knowing there are no bad choices.
Ron Green Jr.