Tiger Woods Was Wise to Pick Matt Kuchar as 2013 Presidents Cup Fourball Partner

Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples is responsible for picking the playing partnerships for the fourball competition—except in the case of Tiger Woods. 

According to The Telegraph's James Corrigan, Couples said, "Tiger decides who he plays with." 

Given the power to pick his own partner, the world No. 1 went with Matt Kuchar.

It was an excellent choice for many reasons.

Woods has struggled as of late while playing with a partner, losing six of his last seven matches. And who can forget Woods and Steve Stricker coming up short at last year's Ryder Cup?

While Woods has never partnered with Kuchar before, I imagine the partnership will stick. 

Barring Kuchar acting like Sergio Garcia around Woods, it is safe to say this pairing will remain throughout the competition. And it should work well. 

After all, it isn't easy to play with Woods.

Added levels of attention and drama follow Woods on the course, and that can throw even veteran golfers like Steve Stricker from their games. 

However, Kuchar has the mentality and game to handle it. The 35-year-old has one of the most consistent swings on tour, and he looks completely unflappable. I'm sure he feels stress, but when you look at him, it's hard to tell if he's putting for a major championship or playing mini golf with his kids.

Also, this pairing should be nearly unbeatable. Woods is the No. 1 golfer in the world, and he has a history of success at Muirfield—home of this year's Presidents Cup. Kuchar is ranked eighth in the world, and he won the Memorial—which is also played at Muirfield—earlier this year. 

The Americans have dominated this competition, and they have a talent advantage, so it likely won't end up making any difference whom Woods was paired with in this competition. The Americans won the last four Presidents Cups by an average of just over four points. 

The Woods and Kuchar pairing also has the potential to be a fruitful partnership at next year's Ryder Cup. If these two team well, Woods could have the partner he needs to help erase the failure of last year's Ryder Cup. 

Kuchar is as consistent a player as there is on tour. It stands to reason he will be near the top of the rankings next year and ready to battle in the Ryder Cup.

If this pair turns into a force, it will help infuse the entire American squad with confidence for next year's Ryder Cup. The U.S. has to have revenge on its mind for that one.