Europeans expect wounded Tiger to pounce
TIGER Woods is never more dangerous than when he is wounded.
That's the attitude European golfers have adopted regarding the eight-time major champion who leads the United States against them in the 35th Ryder Cup matches.
Woods has lost his top global ranking to Vijay Singh, gone 10 majors without a title after winning seven of the prior 11 and not won a PGA stroke-play event since July of last year. And his Cup record is a woeful 5-8 with two halved.
“I would think it's more of the wounded Tiger at the moment and he would be very dangerous to play against. I think he would be quite an intimidating opponent,” Ireland's Padraig Harrington said.
“His record has not been as good as he would like. Guys have beaten him the last couple of years. He's going to have something to prove. There's definitely going to be a backlash from Tiger. At some Ryder Cup it's going to happen.”
Harrington might find out first hand how deep this Tiger can bite.
Woods will tee off alongside Phil Mickelson against Harrington and Scotsman Colin Montgomerie in the opening four-ball match on Friday. Woods and Mickelson have not been paired in 24 prior opportunities at Ryder and Presidents Cups.
“We're totally excited about it,” Woods said. “We're geared up. Can't wait to get out there and play.”
US captain Hal Sutton expects Woods to lead the charge for the Americans, who need 14½ points to reclaim the trophy.
“I feel strongly that Tiger Woods is ready. Y'all might see some of Tiger's greatest golf this week,” Sutton said.
“It's not always Tiger's fault his record is not as good. I've seen Tiger Woods shoot 64 and lose. He didn't play badly sometimes when he got beat.
“Everybody in the world, they want to beat Tiger Woods. They take their game to a level they didn't know they had.”
Spain's Sergio Garcia is a perfect example. He would love to face Woods in a Sunday singles duel.
“That would be nice,” Garcia said. “Why not? I've always enjoyed playing against him. It raises my game.”
Woods accepts his role as prime target and motivational rival.
“That's the way it has been since my first Ryder Cup. That has not changed,” Woods said. “That has been there from the very first week.”
The team aspect of Ryder Cup play heightens the tension a bit more for Woods because for one of the few moments in his golf career, he represents something larger than himself – his nation and his peers.
“Come Sunday, you feel a little bit more. You realise if you lose a point you lose it not only for yourself but for your teammates and your captain,” he said. “If you miss a putt to lose a major, all you hurt is yourself.” – AFP
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