Ryder Cup :: Tom Watson speaks

Tom Watson admits the Ryder Cup hasn’t been kind to USA lately describing it as a ‘dire road’. But who will he call upon at Gleneagles to turn it around?

Speaking ahead of the Greenbrier Classic, the US captain gave a little insight into his plans.

Tiger Woods

Watson is planning to tell Woods face-to-face just how he feels about his chance. Woods returned from a back injury at last week’s Quicken Loans National. He failed to make cut though, shooting 74-75 in the first two days.

“I’ll be watching Tiger as he plays,” said Watson. “He’ll be playing at the Open Championship and I hope to get together with him there and tell him my feelings about him direct.”

The five-time Open champion then admitted it would be a huge call to leave Tiger at home.

“Who wouldn’t pick Tiger Woods to be on your Ryder Cup team? That is the question to everybody. Who wouldn’t pick him?”

Phil Mickelson

It seems Tom Watson is well aware of Mickelson’s struggles on the greens, and he’s been keeping a watchful eye.

“Phil has had some struggles with his putting, I know that, as I watched,” he said. “In the game, there are ebbs and flows.”

When asked what his plans were if the lefty didn’t make the team on points, Watson replied: “Certainly he’ll be a serious consideration. He’s played on Ryder Cup teams, and last time he played well at Medinah.”

Patrick Reed

The 64-year-old appeared open minded about having the inexperienced Reed on his team.

“If Patrick plays well, he’s on the team.  If he doesn’t, I’ll have to make him a captain’s pick if I deem that’s the right way to go.”

His thoughts on Reeds top-five statement? “I like that as long as he backs it up. I like that.”

Jim Furyk

The Ryder Cup veteran is sixth in the American qualifications standings, and it looks like his spot is already secured – automatically or not.

“He’s played in eight Ryder Cups. He’s a stalwart, and is playing well this year,” Watson said. “So it’s always good when your team is playing well.”

Tom Watson on the Ryder Cup

It is clear that Watson has a burning passion for the Ryder Cup and the moments it throws up.

“The cream usually rises to the top.”

“It’s one of the great sporting events there is,” said the captain. “It’s an international scoring event, and it creates some of the best golf that you’ll ever see.

“I think a lot of it has to do with the intensity that the Ryder Cup brings to the players. It’s the type of pressure they play under, and the cream usually rises to the top.”