News

Tiger Woods chooses Finau, Woodland, Reed, and….himself as his Presidents Cup picks

Published

1 year ago

Nov 7, 2019

Tiger Woods has named himself, Tony Finau, Gary Woodland and Patrick Reed as his captain’s picks ahead of next month’s Presidents Cup.

Both Woodland and Finau are set for their debuts at the event, while Reed will be competing in his third consecutive Presidents Cup. For Woods, it will be the 15-time major champion’s first appearance at the biennial tournament since 2013.

Speaking on the decision to pick himself as playing-captain for the event, Woods stated

“The players, they wanted me to play in the event. It’s going to be difficult, but I also have three amazing assistants in Fred (Couples), Stricks (Steve Stricker) and Zach (Johnson). So that helps a lot.”

Both Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth are big-name omissions from the team which will feature five rookies. Spieth will be missing his first team event since 2012, while Fowler has been on each U.S. team since 2014.

Speaking on the call to leave Fowler out of the side, Woods stated

“That was a tough call to make. He’s a friend of mine. We kept it short. There was no need for a long call. I’ve been on both sides I haven’t been picked. I get it. He’s obviously going to hurt not being there.”

Woods’ four picks are all higher ranked in the OWGR than any of the players of the International side, but the 43-year-old warned that statistical advantage goes out the window once play gets underway next month.

“On paper we certainly have the advantage in the world ranking. Our players have earned that by playing well around the world and playing well in big events. But when we start out on Thursday, it’s 0-0. We’ve got to go out and earn points to win the cup.”

Woods’ decision to choose himself as a player next month means that he will be the first playing captain at team events since Hale Irwin in 1994.

Your Reaction?

LIKE56
LEGIT3
WOW2
LOL4
IDHT0
FLOP5
OB6
SHANK27

Related Topics:featured

Up Next

Tour Rundown: Incredible finishes on Champions, European tours

Don't Miss

Ernie Els announces Niemann, Im, Day and Hadwin as his Presidents Cup wildcard picks

Gianni Magliocco

Gianni is the Assistant Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @giannimosquito

28 Comments

Kim Chee

Nov 8, 2019 at 5:10 pm

Lots of salty ass Tiger haters in here. And the usual bringing up of his infidelity is sickening. Y’all are carrying a six shooter with only one bullet.

Everyone deserves a change to change. Whether you care to admit it or not, he has changed. He was humbled big time when the game he loves so dearly was taken from him. He has so much more appreciation for the game and other people now. Take it from someone who has met him personally BEFORE and AFTER his change.

Stop being so damn salty, you ignorant bags of trash.

Reply Report comment
Steve C

Nov 8, 2019 at 4:34 pm

99% sure that TV execs were in Tigers ear convincing him to play. And I doubt it took too much arm twisting.

Reply Report comment
- Big Dan
  
  Nov 8, 2019 at 5:29 pm
  
  So much negativity. Tiger is simply the best ever. The event will be so much more interesting with him playing. I for one wouldn’t even consider watching this event if Tiger wasn’t playing. Go Tiger go.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Jp
    
    Nov 8, 2019 at 7:05 pm
    
    You do realize tiger has not had a winning record nor has the United States won but one ryder cup with him on the team is last Ryder cup appearance he went 0 for 5 in points best ever hardly
    
    Reply Report comment
  - MT
    
    Nov 9, 2019 at 11:33 am
    
    He was the best, but now is inconsistent. His Ryder and President cup record is not stellar.
    
    He should have given another player the opportunity.
    
    Reply Report comment
joro

Nov 8, 2019 at 3:17 pm

Woods has proven many times he stinks in team play. Look at his past, he cannot play with others, just against others. He and Phil, two of the greatest ever both suck at team play.

But so be it, he had a choice and he took it leaving someone who could handle team play out. Good Luck Mr. Woods, you had an option and took it now go feed your ego..

Reply Report comment
Pdq

Nov 8, 2019 at 2:06 pm

You know who is happy Tiger picked Tiger? The networks this will draw more eyeballs to the lay golf fan.

Reply Report comment
Speedy

Nov 8, 2019 at 1:35 pm

Go International Team!

Reply Report comment
Eck42

Nov 8, 2019 at 1:07 pm

Just my thought, but I would like to see Captains not eligible to play. I think picking yourself is very selfish.

Reply Report comment
- John Bachman
  
  Nov 9, 2019 at 7:02 am
  
  Couldn’t agree more
  
  Reply Report comment
Dave

Nov 8, 2019 at 10:04 am

Patrick Reed….are you kidding me. Why because he was so stellar as your partner? Very disappointed.

Reply Report comment
JP

Nov 8, 2019 at 9:14 am

Tiger picking himself is the right move. IMO only
.
If America wins, nobody will be able to question it. Wait for the results and decide then.
.
And I agree, Trump is the best thing to happen to America since Columbus.

Reply Report comment
Weaseling

Nov 8, 2019 at 3:16 am

What a selfish move, he himself and waffles house waitresses. Poor move on his part. Imagine the phone call to Fowler… he man I was going to pick u but I picked myself!

Reply Report comment
- Obee
  
  Nov 8, 2019 at 9:57 am
  
  You an Arnold Palmer fan?
  
  Reply Report comment
- B
  
  Nov 8, 2019 at 10:14 am
  
  So picking the #7 ranked player in the world, who just won his last tournament played, over the 21st ranked player in the world, who hasn’t played since the Tour Championship is a selfish and poor move? Makes sense to me. Pick a guy who has been worried about a wedding and banging his wife on their honeymoon over a guy who just won and is ranked well ahead of him in the OWGR. Keep trolling bro
  
  Reply Report comment
john

Nov 8, 2019 at 1:36 am

surprised no Fowler .. I would take a Fowler over Reed any day

Reply Report comment
MW

Nov 7, 2019 at 10:57 pm

I guess his back is better…when he wants it to be. Or is it his knee, or his…

Reply Report comment
Bob

Nov 7, 2019 at 10:39 pm

Just confirming that Tiger is a narcissistic, selfish individual! He could have done something good for golf by choosing a young, up and comer.

Reply Report comment
- Simms
  
  Nov 8, 2019 at 1:07 am
  
  100% correct, it would have been a real shot in the arm for him to just be the Captain. Just as his image was becoming stronger he pulls this bone head mistake…
  
  Reply Report comment
  - I See Dumb People
    
    Nov 8, 2019 at 9:33 am
    
    What are you guys talking about? The guy literally just won last week and also won the Masters. In the tournaments he’s played in at 100%, he’s been great. If anyone else was captain they would pick Tiger. Just because he’s in the driver’s seat he’s not allowed to put together the best team? Tiger not being on the roster would be a mistake. No matter who is making that call.
    
    Reply Report comment
- Mike
  
  Nov 8, 2019 at 2:27 am
  
  Good for golf, are you drunk? The more Tiger plays with the few years he has left the better it is for golf. The more he plays directly influences the amount of new golfers we have. Nobodys turning on the TV or going to a tournament to watch some up and comer golfer, whether you like it or not Tiger is the draw for people.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Bob
    
    Nov 8, 2019 at 7:19 am
    
    Wow..has golf participation inclined or declined during the Tiger era? I know it will be hard for you Mike, but think hard….it’s declined greatly! Actually, I’m glad he chose himself. Now…I, for sure, will not be waisting my time watching this event.
    
    Reply Report comment
- Obee
  
  Nov 8, 2019 at 9:54 am
  
  Sigh…
  
  Reply Report comment
Jimmy

Nov 7, 2019 at 10:10 pm

No kuch, no donkeys..

Reply Report comment
Kevin S

Nov 7, 2019 at 9:50 pm

Tiger is correct. Austrialian courses are vastly different from the states. Once the wind starts blowing, it will be a whole different story. Kevin kisner would be a better select over captain america

Reply Report comment
- JP
  
  Nov 7, 2019 at 10:12 pm
  
  And Reed is a douche!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Miller Time
    
    Nov 8, 2019 at 9:53 am
    
    He may be a douche, but he’s the best player on the US team in these types of formats!
    
    Reply Report comment
- d
  
  Nov 8, 2019 at 9:49 am
  
  reed is a great match player….reed is from texas used to playing in the wind. Hits a natural draw again good for wind…..
  
  Tiger picking himself is fine. When healthy or focused he is still top 10 player and the number 1 draw period.
  
  Reply Report comment

Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Tour Photo Galleries

Interesting photos from the Arnold Palmer Invitational (plus links to all photo galleries)

Published

4 hours ago

Mar 3, 2021

Ryan Barath

This week, the PGA Tour is at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida, and GolfWRX was on-site Tuesday to spy some interesting things from the grounds and around the practice area as players were getting ready to battle for the $9.3 million purse at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Don’t forget you can check out all our image galleries in the GolfWRX Tour Equipment forum.

Justin Rose’s new Axis1 (Blade) proto

Justin has been using an Axis1 putter for years, but this is the first time we’ve spotted him with a blade-style prototype version.

Rickie continues to tinker

Rickie Fowler’s bag is always interesting, and this week the Rev33’s are in play.

John Augenstein’s WITB

The 2019 U.S. Am runner-up turned professional in late 2020 has quite the club setup.

Camilo Villegas with new Srixon ZX7 irons

Camilo always has a very interesting club set up based on his unique dynamics into the ball—lots of forward shaft lean and low dynamic loft. Thanks to their more aggressive VT sole the new Srixon ZX7’s seem to be a perfect fit for the Colombian.

Justin Rose continues to test

It was exactly a year ago at the 2020 API, Justin Rose started to tinker with his club setup, and this week in 2021 it appears that he is still working to get dialed in and testings drivers.

Speaking of drivers, Rose was as caught talking to Jason Dufner about his new Cobra RAD Speed, and might have ordered one to test.

A story in 4 parts – the assumed conversation

Rose– “Oh, I like the look of this Duff!”
Duff– “It’s my new one. I like it”
Rose– “Interesting, what’s it all about?”
Duff– “It has all this weight to make it stable, & you adjust it here.”
Rose (on phone )- “Hey cobra can I test one of those Rad drivers?”

Kisner with a unique putting drill

Keith Mitchell continues to use HZRDUS T1100 in his driver

With all the talk about players including Adam Scott and Louis Oosthuizen moving to longer and much more flexible driver shafts, Keith Mitchell continues to buck the trend with one of the stiffest shafts available – the ProjectX HZRDUS T1100.

Here’s a look at Louis with his stock Ping ALTA CB stiff shaft.

Alex Noren loaded up with golf balls

We know there is a lot of water around the course this week at Bay Hill, and it looks like Alex Noren is prepared like an 18 handicap headed out to play from the back tees with four dozen balls ready to go.

Dufner putting with his wedge

Jason Dufner was seen working on his putting using the popular bellied wedge drill which forces you to work on producing a level stroke and precise center contact.

Hideki Matsuyama’s bag must be heavy

Hideki is the ultimate tester, which is why we love him at GolfWRX.

Bryson potentially testing grips

It looks like Bryson was getting ready to test some new Jumbo-Max grips, or just had a fresh set installed this week.

Paging Ping – Harris English needs a new putter headcover

That ratty old thing must hold some sentimental value to Harris based on its condition.

Charl Schwartzel back to Miura irons

Charl has gone through a number of iron sets in recent memory and at the API it looks like he’s back to a set of Miura 001 blades.

Spieth testing new utility

Jordan Spieth had a few extra Titleist utility irons next to his bag on the putting green, and it could be that he is working on his gapping because of the long par 3’s at Bay Hill.

Check out all the GolfWRX galleries from the Arnold Palmer Invitational

John Augenstein WITB – 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Jason Dufner testing a new Cobra 3D printed putter – 2021 Arnold Palmer invitational

Rickie Fowler clubs – 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Cameron T-11.5 putters – 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational

New LA Golf driver & putter shafts – 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Justin Rose – Axis putters – 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational

New UST Mamiya Dart iron shaft – 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #1

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #2

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #3

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #4

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #5

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #6

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #7

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #8

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #9

2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational – Tuesday #10

Your Reaction?

LIKE6
LEGIT0
WOW0
LOL0
IDHT0
FLOP0
OB0
SHANK1

News

The most impressive listing from the GolfWRX Classifieds (03/02/21) – Brand New Nikes

Published

1 day ago

Mar 2, 2021

Ryan Barath

At GolfWRX, we love golf equipment plain and simple.

We are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment for the game in many ways. It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball, it even allows us to share another thing – the equipment itself.

One of the best ways to enjoy equipment is to experiment and whether you are looking to buy-sell-or trade (as the name suggests) you can find almost anything in the GolfWRX BST Forum. From one-off custom Scotty Cameron Circle T putters, to iron sets, wedges, and barely hit drivers, you can find it all in our constantly updated marketplace.

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules

The golden rule of golf is “if you don’t play good, at least you can look good” and these Nike Air Zoom Victory Tours will have you looking as sharp as Collin Morikawa’s iron game. Check out the full listing here: ***SUNDAY FUNDAY! …Nike NRG Shoes Size 13***

Remember that you can always browse the GolfWRX Classifieds any time here in our forums: GolfWRX Classifieds

You can also follow along on Instagram: GolfWRX Classifieds

Your Reaction?

LIKE1
LEGIT1
WOW0
LOL2
IDHT0
FLOP3
OB0
SHANK5

News

Morning 9: Morikawa wins WGC, thanks Tiger | Another week, another Korda win | Tiger tributes abound

Published

2 days ago

Mar 1, 2021

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt

For comments—or if you’re looking for a fourth—email me at [email protected].

You can also find me on Twitter and Instagram.

March 1, 2021

Good Monday morning, golf fans.

1. Morikawa wins WGC, thanks Tiger

AP report…”PGA champion Collin Morikawa shook off an early mistake and played a steady hand on a Concession golf course known for calamity, closing with a 3-under 69 for a three-shot victory in the Workday Championship.”

“Morikawa picked up a few short-game tips from major champions – Mark O’Meara on his putting, Concession member Paul Azinger on the chipping — and he says it carried him to another big win.”

“And there was a tribute to Tiger Woods, his golf idol growing up.”

“We don’t say ‘Thank you’ enough,” Morikawa said, referring to how much Woods has raised the profile and prize money in golf. He also mentioned his grandfather dying a month ago and began to get emotional.”

Full piece.

2. Another week, another Korda win

AP report…”Nelly Korda seized control with three early birdies and finished with 12 straight pars for a 3-under 69 to win the Gainbridge LPGA on Sunday, giving the Korda family two victories to start the season.”

“Her older sister, Jessica, won the season-opening Tournament of Champions last month in Orlando.”

“Korda won for the first time on American soil – her other three LPGA wins were in Australia and twice in Taiwan – and the first time with her parents watching. Her father, Petr Korda, is a former Australian Open tennis champion.”

Full piece.

3. Grace wins in Puerto Rico—weeks after his father’s COVID-19 death

Adam Woodard for Golfweek…”On Sunday afternoon, he did the same, holing-out for eagle on the par-4 17th and then making birdie from the sand on the par-5 18th to reach 19 under and claim the trophy at the 2021 Puerto Rico Open at Grand Reserve Country Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.”

“All wins are emotional, but this one hit close to home for Grace. Just weeks ago, the 32-year-old South African lost his father to a bout with COVID-19.”

Full piece.

4. Forensic experts discuss: Was Tiger asleep at the wheel?

The question is being asked, and it’s only right to address it here. Maybe you don’t like it. Hell, as someone who grew up as a die-hard Tiger Woods fan, who watched more rounds in Sunday Red than I can remember, I don’t relish anything in the negligence family. However, we must examine the facts and the (incomplete) information before us.

Brent Schrotenboer, USA TODAY…”The available evidence from the recent car crash involving Tiger Woods indicates that the famed golfer was not paying attention to the road and drifted off of it before crashing his car, three forensic car accident experts told USA TODAY Sports.”

“The same experts also say the evidence does not indicate he lost control of his vehicle because of excessive speed on a curved downhill road that is known for speeding cars.”

“They arrived at this theory based on several factors, especially the way Woods’ vehicle appeared to keep going straight ahead instead of staying on the road as it curved right.”

Full piece.

5. Several players wear red/black in support of Tiger

ESPN’s Bob Harig…”Tony Finau made the grandest entrance, wearing a red mock golf shirt, black pants and his Nike hat backwards — the way Woods often arrives at tournaments.”

“I was pretty inspired,” Finau said. “I heard earlier quite a few guys were going to do it. I for sure felt like it would just be a nice touch. We’ve enjoyed so many Sundays watching Tiger do his thing. Red and black, that’s what Tiger does on Sundays, so to just join in and just let Tiger know we’re supporting him in the best way we can. We’re still playing as we miss him out here, but it was just cool to be part of that today.”

“At the Puerto Rico Championship, the opposite field event this week won by Branden Grace, the entire grounds crew wore red for Woods. Phil Mickelson, who was playing the PGA Tour Champions event in Arizona, said he bought a shirt locally to wear to pay tribute to Woods.”

Full piece.

6. Sutherland wins Cologuard Classic

Todd Kelly for Golfweek…”On Sunday, when Weir birdied the eighth hole at the Cologuard Classic, the second PGA Tour Champions event in 2021, he took a four-shot lead. It started to look like the drought would finally be over.”

“But on a chilly and windy day, Sutherland, who started the final round two shots back of the lead, made his move on the back nine at the Omni Tucson National Resort.”

“He birdied the 10th and 12th and then chipped in for birdie on the par-3 16th, the only birdie on that hole on Sunday. When Weir bogeyed the 16th, there was a tie for the lead with two to go.”

“On the par-5 17th, Sutherland made a short birdie putt to take a one-shot lead. Both striped their drives on the 18th hole and after Sutherland stuffed his approach to about 10 feet, he made a par putt to clinch the win at 15 under.”

Full piece.

7. Tiger tweets appreciation

ESPN’s Bob Harig…”Tiger Woods, in a tweet Sunday night, said it was “touching” to see so many players wearing his trademark Sunday red for the final round of the WGC-Workday Championship, just days after a serious car accident left him hospitalized and needing emergency surgery.”

“It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the tv and saw all the red shirts,” Woods wrote in the tweet. “To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time.”