No claws out for Tom as Tiger gives full support to US skipper
FORMER world No1 golfer Tiger Woods has thrown his weight behind the appointment of Tom Watson as America’s Ryder Cup captain for 2014 and played down talk of tension between the pair.
Watson openly criticised Woods two years ago for his behaviour on and off the course. But, following yesterday’s announcement that the 63-year-old will lead the US at Gleneagles, 14-time Major winner Woods gave Watson his backing.
“I think he’s a really good choice,” said Woods. “Tom knows what it takes to win and that’s our ultimate goal. I hope I have the privilege of joining him on the 2014 United States team.”
Watson, who skippered America to Ryder Cup success in 1993, will become the oldest ever captain, at 65, by the time his players tee off in Scotland.
And old rival Bernard Gallacher, non-playing captain of the defeated Europeans 19 years ago, feels the appointment can help Woods, who has not won a Major since 2008, recapture his best form.
“Tom has the best chance of getting Tiger to fulfil his potential,” said Gallacher. “There are few in the game he respects more.”