Tiger Woods: Why He Earned a Ryder Cup Spot at the PGA Championship
Even after one of the most interesting finishes in recent memory at the PGA Championship, all the talk is about whether or not Tiger Woods did enough to earn a spot on the Ryder Cup team.
For the moment, the answer is no.
But when Corey Pavin announces his Captain's Picks on September 7, the prevailing opinion is that Woods will be one of four players selected.
Here's 10 reasons Tiger Woods belongs on the Ryder Cup Team after his performance at Whistling Straights.
No. 10: Corey Pavin Promised Him a Spot
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Depending on whether or not you choose to believe Jim Gray, who has found a way to irritate plenty of people during his career, Corey Pavin has already promised Tiger Woods a spot on the team.
Based on the statements made by Pavin, and more importantly, the statements made by Woods, it's difficult to believe such a guarantee has been made at this point.
It's also difficult to believe Pavin would leave the most iconic American golfer off the roster, as long as Tiger remains in the top 12 of the Ryder Cup points system.
No. 9: The Foley Factor
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The mysterious relationship between Tiger Woods and Sean Foley was on display throughout the PGA Championship at Whistling Straights.
Foley, who coaches Hunter Mahan, Sean O'Hair and Stephen Ames, spent a limited amount of time helping Tiger with his game. The early returns were very positive, especially considering he was coming off of his second-to-last disaster at Bridgestone.
It appears that Woods and Foley could officially join forces in the weeks ahead.
No. 8: Practice, Practice, Practice
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Tiger has said repeatedly that he hasn't been able to practice consistently as he continues to pick up the pieces in his personal life.
Finally, he will have time to practice in the coming weeks.
Woods said last week that the media attention is finally beginning to fade, allowing him to practice and begin to shift the focus back to his game.
He also said that he expect to continue working with Sean Foley, who lives near Woods in the Orlando area.
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No. 7: The Hunger to Compete
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Tiger Woods wants to repair his tarnished reputation, and representing his country would certainly be a step in the right direction.
Woods will do everything in his power to continue to improve his game in the coming weeks in hopes of contributing to the Ryder Cup team in a positive way.
Pavin could believe Woods' motivation and dedication would outweigh the media circus that would surround the team.
No. 6: Fan Interest
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Although rising stars Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson provided plenty of reasons for sports fans to tune in throughout the weekend, the fallout in Tiger's production has manifested itself in the ratings throughout 2010.
Tiger's presence in the field would generate a great deal of fan interest in the Ryder Cup and improve television ratings.
As golf continues its transition into the next generation of greats, it seems logical that Woods would be an effective way of bridging the gap.
No. 5: Valuable Experience
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Of the eight players who qualified for the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team at the conclusion of the PGA Championships, four players have no previous Ryder Cup experience.
Jim Furyk and Phil Mickelson provide veteran experience for the team, but Pavin could certainly use Woods, who has participated in every Ryder Cup since 1997 with the exception of 2008 as he continued to recover from his knee injury.
Woods has played 25 Ryder Cup matches, winning 10 of them. He would certainly be used to the circus-like atmosphere.
No. 4: It's Hard to Argue With the Track Record
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Tiger Woods has only played in nine events in 2010, which is a big part of the reason why he has looked absolutely awful at times.
But his historic accomplishments are impossible to overlook. If he is able to play effectively as he did in three of the four rounds at the PGA Championship, he would certainly be able to contribute to the Ryder Cup team.
No. 3: He's Currently in the Cut
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For the moment, Tiger Woods is in the top-12 in the points system that dictates Ryder Cup participants. Zach Johnson's strong showing vaulted him up ten spots and ahead of Woods, who is well behind Lucas Glover for the No. 11 spot.
Woods currently is the last player to make the cut, which means his fate is largely in his hands.
No. 2: Three Out of Four Isn't Bad
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Although the conditions at Whistling Straights led to low scores for a majority of the field, Tiger's play in three in the first three rounds of the PGA Championship provided indications that he is close to turning things around.
Woods tallied 15 birdies at the PGA--the same number as winner Martin Kaymer--and played over par in just one of the four rounds.
His final round was marred by erratic play off the tee. Woods failed to hit a single fairway on the back nine as he limped to the finish.
Still, Woods did enough to show that he is heading in the right direction.
No. 1: He is Still the World No. 1
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Can you really leave the World's No. 1 off the Ryder Cup team?
It's certainly possible, but there are few indications it will happen. Woods couldn't afford a poor showing at the PGA Championship, and his 3 under-par 31st place finish was just enough to show Pavin he is close to rediscovering his touch.
Pavin isn't likely to exclude Woods off the Ryder Cup team, even if his game isn't in top form.
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