The Ryder Cup is just days away, and while USA captain Zach Johnson knows the responsibilities for his role this year, he doesn’t hesitate to learn from those who know the ins and outs of the event.
Johnson said he and Tiger Woods remain in constant contact ahead of the Cup, but knows he can’t lean on him the entire time.
“As far as conferring with him, communicating with him, I mean, we have up to this point, and he is one of — he understands that now that our feet are on the ground, it’s probably kind of best that we navigate this ourselves,” Johnson told Golf.com’s Jessica Marksbury. “But he’s always on inner corner, and at this point it’s more encouragement on his side, whether he’s texting the guys or texting the vice captains and captains, he’s there to encourage because he’s very invested in what we do year-in and year-out with Team USA, and that has never ceased and I’m grateful for that.
Johnson views Woods as a resource as he’s very invested in what Team USA does at Marco Simone in Italy.
Woods made his last Ryder Cup appearance in 2018 where he served as Team USA’s vice captain. His current texts of encouragement to those on the team show he’s upholding those same responsibilities, just without the formality.
“I mean, he’s the best player of our generation,” Johnson added. “Thankfully, he’s an American. We are going to utilize his knowledge and his wisdom and his candor and his passion the best we can. When it comes to the week of the tournament, if you’re not in on it and inside the team room, inside the ropes, shoulder-to-shoulder with these guys, it’s not fair to ask him questions. It’s probably — he can give us insights, don’t get me wrong. At the same time, I don’t know if that’s proper, and I think he would understand completely.”
Team Europe’s vice captain, Thomas Bjorn, asked why wouldn’t you pick the brains of the best golfer of all time? Bjorn said in the golf world Tiger is extremely respected and that has to be the case in America as well.
Oh yeah. Big time.
The 44th Ryder Cup Matches will be held in Italy from 29 Sept. to 1 Oct. 2023 at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
[Golf.com]
