Nicklaus: Pavin needs a brain scan if Tiger doesn’t play

Jack Nicklaus blasts US  Ryder Cup captain for saying Woods isn’t an ‘automatic pick’

American Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin has revealed that Tiger Woods won’t be guaranteed a spot in this year’s Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor – a decision Jack Nicklaus says proved Pavin ‘needs a brain scan’.

The world No.1, whose career has taken a nose-dive since revelations about his extra-marital affairs broke at the tail end of last year, currently sits at 11^th in the points race with only eight players guaranteed to play – although the captain has four wildcard selections.

However, Pavin has said that the 34-year-old is not an automatic pick, as he wants his team to be full of on-form players.

“I’m not going to treat Tiger any different – he’s certainly not going to be an automatic pick,” said Pavin.

“I’d love to have him on the team but I want him to be playing well.”

But Nicklaus, speaking at the unveiling of a project to design two courses at the exclusive La Moraleja, says there’s no reason why Woods shouldn’t make the team.

“He’d need a brain scan if he left Tiger out of the team,” Nicklaus told reporters in Spain.

“Of course he should pick Tiger. The truth is, Tiger is going through some personal problems, which I’ve nothing to say about, and he’s also got some problems with his game, which he’s going to have to resolve himself. But Tiger will be in the team. I have not doubt.”

Having played in just three tournaments since his return from a five-month break from the sport, Woods top finish was in the Masters in April, where he finished fourth, before missing the cut by seven shots at Quail Hollow and withdrawing from The Players Championship at Sawgrass, citing a neck injury.

While the US captain has not yet spoken with Woods, there is still time for the 14-time major winner to make the team by rights – with four months until the event, which takes place from October 1 to 3.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor