Steve Stricker Explains Tiger Woods’ Role for 2021 Ryder Cup

Everyone looking forward to the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits will be missing Tiger Woods on the course. The 45-year-old has been a part of eight Ryder Cup tournaments over the span of his two-decade career, his sole win coming from the 1999 event in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, his single-car crash in February has him sidelined, his return to golf uncertain as recovery continues.

However, Woods not being present physically at Whistling Straits does not mean he cannot help out.

During a recent interview, U.S. Captain Steve Stricker gave an update on Woods’ involvement with the team – which might be more than what many would have expected. Naturally, the American team is determined to take help from the 15-time major winner whenever they can.

READ MORE: ‘Moving in the Right Direction’ – Steve Stricker Drops Positive Update About Tiger Woods’ Comeback to Golf

How is Tiger Woods going to help with this year’s Ryder Cup?

“He’s been, you know, obviously in my ear a lot and I call him pretty regularly,” Stricker said. “He’s part of our Ryder Cup team. He’s part of what we do.”

Stricker, speaking from the Whistling Straits, added that it is probably not a good time for him to be present at the biennial event physically. The course is tough to walk on, and everyone present will see how difficult it can get. Though Woods has been getting better, Stricker made it clear that both of their focus is for Woods to come back and play again.

“We don’t want to get in the way of that because we would all love to see him come back and play”. 

Stricker’s earlier update about Woods’ health

The US captain had provided an update about Woods earlier this month, explaining how Woods will continue to be a part of the Ryder Cup family. “He is a great guy to talk to; he is a great guy to lean on”. 

Speaking of Woods’ heath, Stricker’s was more detailed, letting everyone know that Woods is slowly doing better. Things are moving in the right direction,” he explained. His ultimate goal is to return to the course, which has been going well.

The California native is yet to make an appearance after his accident. He last played the 2020 Masters Tournament, finishing T38. Fans have been looking forward to any sort of update about Woods, hoping to catch one glimpse of their icon.

The Ryder Cup begins on Friday, September 24, and will last for three days.

READ MORE: How Many Ryder Cup Victories Has Tiger Woods Been a Part Of?