Tiger Woods: European captain Thomas Bjorn makes Woods Ryder Cup claim
TIGER WOODS’ presence at the 2018 Ryder Cup is something Team Europe captain Thomas Bjorn is “excited”, not fearful, about.
For such a big event you want big personalities, big profiles
The biennial Transatlantic match-up begins on September 28 at Le Golf National in Paris.
Team USA fly to France as the bookies’ favourites, boasting a wealth of experience and major titles - 31 - across their 12-man roster.
Europe, meanwhile, have won seven majors between them and five rookies in the team.
The Americans haven’t won away since 1993, but their star-studded line-up is one which even Bjorn is excited to welcome.
The standout wildcard pick for USA was Tiger Woods, whose wonderful form over the past few months has ignited hope that he may claim a 15th major in the future.
The 42-year-old was originally supposed to be a vice-captain on Jim Furyk’s team until the skipper was left with no choice but to reward Woods’ form via selection.
Speaking to Associated Press about Woods’ anticipated arrival in Paris, Bjorn said: "He brings so much greatness to the game of golf.
"For such a big event you want big personalities, big profiles. I'm excited about seeing that American team. I'm excited about seeing Tiger back in the fold.
“Whatever [Tiger] brings to the American team… That's for the Americans to answer and Jim to deal with. I focus on our 12 and what they do."
Bjorn was reticent to select rookies in his four wildcard picks, after five automatically qualified for Europe.
Nevertheless, the Dane insists he’s happy with the Ryder Cup novices’ calibre.
"I think they're a great bunch of guys and they've proven themselves on the world stage," he said.
When posed with the notion of “home advantage” in Paris, Bjorn replied: “It's a nice thing that we know it well but if it's a big advantage? I don't think so.
“When you take the best players in the world and put them on any golf course they are going to find a way round it."