Woods misses out on automatic Ryder Cup place

World No.1 will have to rely on a pick for Corey Pavin’s US side

The automatic places for the US Ryder Cup team have been decided – with Tiger Woods the most notable absence.

The world No.1, who tied for 28^th at Whistling Straits, will now have to rely on a captain’s pick from US skipper Corey Pavin if he is to play at Celtic Manor in October, something the 34-year-old seems quietly confident about.

“Well Corey texts me a lot so, I’m sure he’ll be texting me or calling me and I’m sure we’ll be talking,” said Woods.

“I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully Corey will pick me on the team.

“I think I’ve got a chance of maybe helping out in singles.”

In contrast to Woods, who finished in 12^th place on the standings, world No.2 Phil Mickelson topped the standings, with WGC Bridgestone Invitational winner Hunter Mahan second.

His second-place finish in the US PGA Championship handed Bubba Watson his debut, a consolation prize the American said was ‘all he cared about’ on the final day in Wisconsin.

“I’ve wanted to play the Ryder Cup my whole life,” said Watson. “I’ve made many a putt when I was eight and 10-years-old to win the Ryder Cup. So why would you not want to play for your country?”

Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Jeff Overton and Matt Kuchar made up the remainder of the eight automatic qualifiers for Celtic Manor from October 1-3.

Missing out on qualification, however, were last year’s US Open champion Lucas Glover, Anthony Kim who underwent thumb surgery earlier this summer, and 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson.

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 of bunkered