Jim Furyk Says Tiger Woods' 'Game Is Trending' When Asked About Ryder Cup

Although United States Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk didn't commit to picking Tiger Woods as one of his four at-large spots on the team, he did indicate the 14-time major champion was heading in the right direction.

"I'm not sure the numbers are always that important when I look down the list," Furyk said, per Bob Harig of ESPN. "What is important is how well Tiger has played. Sixth place at The Open Championship, a second place at the PGA. His game—I think the word he used is 'trending.' His game is trending. So it's great to see him playing well."

There are eight automatic qualifiers for the Ryder Cup based on season points, but Woods finished just outside the list at No. 11 after taking second place in the PGA Championship Sunday.

The biennial event that pits the top golfers from the U.S. against the top players in Europe will begin Sept. 28 in France, allowing Furyk more time to examine options for his captain's picks to round out the squad.

However, the top eight spots are now secure with Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Webb Simpson all earning spots.

Woods has already been named a vice captain of the team, but he wants to be more involved after missing the international event in 2016.

"I do want to be on the team as a player," he said after his final round of 64 Sunday, per ESPN. "I'm going to be there either way."

The 42-year-old doesn't have a win yet in 2018, but he does have five top-10 finishes in 14 events, including in each of the last two majors. Still, this might not necessarily be enough to beat out a competitive group of remaining options.

Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Tony Finau, Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau are all quality options who bring either recent success or experience to the roster.

"We want the players who are going to help us be successful," Furyk said.

The captain is expected to make three of his final four picks in early September after the Dell Technologies Championship.