Ryder Cup: Breaking down each member of Team USA

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Jim Furyk announces Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods as the Captain's Picks for the 2018 U.S. team during a press conference at the Philadelphia Marriott West on September 4, 2018 in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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ST. LOUIS, MO – AUGUST 07: (L-R) Tiger Woods of the United States and Bryson DeChambeau of the United States walk off the second tee during a practice round prior to the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club on August 7, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

It’s a bit surprising that Tiger Woods hasn’t been that great in the Ryder Cup. As one of the most dominant golfers of his generation, his reign hasn’t translated to these events. It’s part of the reason he got the “doesn’t play well with others” image for much of his career. Still, Tiger’s never had a horrible Ryder Cup, with his worst being his first. In 1997, he went 1-3-1 at Valderrama.

Singles is the only area Tiger has done well in. His lone defeat came in that ’97 match, losing to Constantino Rocca 4&2. His last two singles matches were against Francesco Molinari, currently the No. 1 ranked golfer on the European team. With a win and a half, it would make an interesting match to see them face off for the third straight time.

Expect to see a much different outing from Tiger this year. In the past, he was much more reserved, seemingly missing out on the group aspect of the event. He’s now older, tied for second-oldest at 42, and a father as well.

All year, Tiger seemed more involved with other players on the course, talking and being more personable. This will translate well to the U.S. Ryder Cup team, helping build camaraderie with his young teammates. With the breadth of experience Tiger has, he should be considered a de facto player-coach for this year’s team.

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