- The 2023 Ryder Cup starts at the end of this week in Rome, Italy
- Bjorn has hinted that golf icon Woods could be involved in some way
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Tiger Woods could be involved in some capacity with Team USA at the Ryder Cup this week, according to Europe vice-captain Thomas Bjorn.
The prestigious golf tournament pitting America against Europe kicks off Friday, with Zach Johnson’s U.S. team crossing the pond for a shot at glory in Rome, Italy.
Johnson and Co are trying to become the first Americans to win on European soil since 1993, a feat that would also see the country retain the championship for the first time in as many years.
And Bjorn, who guided Europe to victory in 2018, believes their rivals can turn to golf icon Woods for some inspiration this weekend.
“I’ve read reports of Zach having conversations with Tiger, but everyone in the golf world has tremendous respect for Tiger,” the Dane said. Betway.
Tiger Woods could be involved with Team USA in the Ryder Cup, says Europe VC Thomas Bjorn
Zach Johnson’s team wants to become the first American to win in Europe since 1993
Bjorn thinks their Ryder Cup rivals can turn to golf icon Woods for inspiration
‘I’m sure the respect in America is even greater. Why wouldn’t you lean on him? We still rely on our great players like Monty and Ole.
‘We have those people around and we use those people. You can always ask a champion, because they are happy to talk about how they did it, how they became successful and how good they are or were. And rightly so, because they are great stories to listen to.
“I’m sure Zach knows that, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Tiger is there in some capacity next week. He is perhaps the best player ever and has a lot to offer. When he talks, it’s hard not to listen.’
Woods, a fifteen-time major champion and one of the greatest golfers in history, has not competed in a Ryder Cup since 2018.
The 47-year-old has played in eight tournaments during his career, winning 13 of 37 matches (13-21-3). He was part of the 1999 U.S. Ryder Cup-winning team.
Although Johnson, despite his legendary status and wealth of experience, and Bjorn’s hint, says Woods won’t be making the trip to Rome.
‘No, Tiger is not coming to Italy. He has a lot on his plate,” he said this week.
But Johnson has confirmed Woods will not travel to Rome for the tournament
“In terms of consulting with him, communicating with him, I mean, we’ve come this far, and he understands that now that we’ve got our feet on the ground, it’s probably best that we go through this on our own.
‘But he’s always in the inside corner and at this point it’s more encouragement from him.
“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’s never stopped and I am grateful for that. ‘