At Medinah, Tiger looking to get into Ryder Cup black
No one needs to remind Tiger Woods that he has a losing record in the Ryder Cup. He’s represented the U.S. six times and played in 29 matches, posting an overall mark of 13-14-2.
But that’s only part of the story. During most of that span, dating back to his first appearance in 1997, Tiger was ranked No. 1 in the world and was a marked man. Everyone gave him his best shot.
Additionally, there is only so much Woods can do. In singles play, he is 4-1-1, meaning he has more than held his own in head-to-head competition. He has struggled in fourball (best ball), going 5-6, and also in foursomes (alternate shot), posting a 4-7-1 record. But again, the latter two formats involve partners, and timing and chemistry play a big part in the outcome.
Europe has won four of the last five meetings, although Team USA hopes to change that this week when the matches resume for the 39th edition at Medinah Country Club outside Chicago.
“Well, certainly I am responsible for that, because I didn’t earn the points I was put out there for,” said Woods of his record Tuesday during his pre-Ryder Cup press conference. “In five sessions each time, I didn’t go 5-0 on our side. I needed to go get points for our team, and I didn’t do that. Hopefully, I can do that this week, and hopefully, the other guys can do the same and we can get this thing rolling.”
Therein lies the key for the American team to regain the Cup: Everyone must pull his own weight.
Playing for your country is a big deal, and the pressure is immense, especially for rookies. Matches are intense, the crowd is loud and partisan, and every point is precious. Most matches involve momentum swings and good and bad breaks. For Woods and every other player, nerves, patience and grit will be tested. The matches are mentally and physically draining. If things go poorly, there is nowhere to hide.
Plus, players are competing for pride, not money. Nobody is paid, meaning the ultimate prize is two-year bragging rights and a lifetime of memories with your teammates.
“For us to represent the United States of America and our teammates, it’s something else,” Woods said. “It’s so much heat on you, which is very different. It’s different than playing for yourself. But playing for teammates, it just adds an element that — it means so much more because it is our country, and it is our teammates. In all these practice sessions, we get to know each other and get our games right and be ready for the Ryder Cup week. It comes down to one moment.”
Many eyes will be focused on 23-year-old European superstar Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland. He’s had a great season, and the pressure will be on him to produce points.
“It’s part of being ranked No. 1,” Woods said. “It’s part of winning major championships. You’re always going to want to take out their best player, and that’s just part of the deal. That’s a fun challenge. I certainly have relished it over the years, and I’m sure he is going to relish it this week.”
Woods has had great success at Medinah, winning the PGA Championship there in 1999 and 2006. In addition, Tiger has also captured five BMW Championships at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in nearby Lemont, Ill.
Being an avid sports fan, Tiger loves the Chicago area and has always been tight with former Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan, who will serve as a special assistant to U.S. captain Davis Love III.
“I’ve always loved coming here,” Woods said. “I enjoy playing in Chicago, and for some reason, I’ve just had a lot of success here. I don’t know what it is. But I seem to be very, very comfortable here.”
Changes have been made to Medinah since Woods last played the course. His plan the next few days is to get comfortable with them and develop a game plan for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“I’m going to need to do my homework so that whoever I go out with, that I will be ready and able to contribute and understand this golf course and how to play it,” he said.
As for Jordan, Woods and his teammates are thrilled he will be around all week to lend advice and support on the course and in the team room.
“Michael being who he has been in the sport and what he’s done, to be a part of this is special for us,” Wood saids. “This is one of the greatest athletes to ever live. For him to want to share with us what he’s been through, it’s priceless for a lot of these guys.
“I guess for me, because I consider him like a big brother, gotten to know him so well over the years, I may take that for granted. But some of the other guys that don’t really know Michael, I think it’s a real treat for them.”
Competition begins Friday morning with four foursome matches, followed by four fourballs in the afternoon. On Saturday, the format repeats, followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday. A total of 28 points are at stake, with Europe needing 14 to retain the cup.
“It was a great team atmosphere last night, and we are going to have a lot of fun this week,” Woods said.
