Now that the 2021 Ryder Cup is in our rearview mirror, it’s time to look ahead to the next USA competition – the Presidents Cup.
While the matches don’t have quite the appeal of Europe vs. USA, it’s still awesome to watch team events. Since golf is such an individual sport, it’s always fun to watch the best players compete for their country.
Unfortunately, Tiger couldn’t travel to Whistling Straits to inspire and celebrate with the boys at this year’s Ryder Cup. But USA team members did say he made his presence felt with regular communication and motivational messages.
So what does the future hold for Tiger and the 2022 President’s Cup?
Here’s what team USA Captain Davis Love had to say about it.
Davis Love on the 2022 Ryder Cup
Before Tiger’s scary car accident in February 2021, he was fully committed to playing on the team. But he wasn’t so sure about being a vice captain like he was in 2018 at Melbourne according to Davis Love.
Here’s the message Davis got from Tiger about the event in 2020, “No, I’m playing really good. I’m gonna make the team, and I enjoyed Australia being playing captain, but I want to be a player on the team.”
Of course, that was before his accident that nearly led to amputating his right leg.
Tiger’s Future Post Car Crash
While we all want to watch Tiger twirl clubs in team events, it might not happen due to his recovery. Thankfully he’s back to hitting balls and looking to play in select events. But it’s too early to talk about him playing in the 2022 President Cup.
Now, it’s looking more and more likely that Tiger will at least be a vice-captain. As he’s gotten to know the players, the once “intimidator” of the PGA Tour is also a mentor to the future team USA guys.
Davis Love seems very open to having Tiger in any capacity.
As he said, “So his role is whatever his role wants to be. If Tiger calls me up and says, ‘Hey, you’re kicked out, I’m taking over’ — that’s Tiger’s role. If he wants to be an assistant, you know … I would hope that he comes back and starts playing and can make that a goal, to be on the team.”
Tiger’s Impact on Team Events
Knowing how competitive Tiger is, I think it’s a safe bet to say he’ll be there for his teammates. Whether it’s playing alongside them (which would be the most incredible comeback ever) or as a vice-captain.
Either way, we can’t wait.
Just imagine being a young player on Team USA and the GOAT is giving you encouragement. I know that I would want to play my heart out as letting down Tiger would be like disappointing your dad as a kid.
While he’s not the scary, intimidating figure that he was a few decades ago, there’s no doubt immense respect for him from every guy on the team.
Clearly, his off course motivation worked because Team USA finally broke their slump and put on a clinic on Team Europe.
Regardless of what happens, let’s hope we get to see him in team USA colors.
Do you think he’ll play or just vice captain in the President Cup?
Let us know in the comments below!
Written by Michael Leonard
