Tiger Woods will hold talks to become US Ryder Cup captain next week after stating he is confident he can still win the Masters in his more immediate future.
Woods is the frontrunner to become Zach Johnson’s successor for the 2025 showdown in New York but has generally claimed he was too preoccupied to focus on the prospect.
The 48-year-old was more candid at Augusta on Tuesday, revealing he will discuss the position with PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh once his 26th appearance at the Masters concludes.
“We still talk about it,” he said. “It’s something Seth and I are going to sit back and talk about after this event.
“I said I’m going to be busy for a few weeks, so let me just focus on getting through this week and hopefully get a new jacket, and then we can sit back and talk about it next week.”
Tiger Woods will hold talks to become US Ryder Cup captain next week
Woods is the favorite to succeed Zach Johnson for the 2025 event in New York
Woods, whose Masters title ended last year when he limped during the third round, initially planned to play once a month this season. However, those ambitions collapsed in February after he withdrew from the Genesis Invitational due to the flu.
That was indicative of the final phase of his career, with the lingering question of how well he can compete after multiple back and leg surgeries.
Despite an apparent tendency toward what might be called a ceremonial golfer, Woods believes he can still challenge for a 16th major.
He said: ‘If everything comes together, I think I can get another one. Do I need to describe that more, or are we good?
“I don’t know when that day is (that he can’t compete to win), when that day will come, but I still think I can do that. I haven’t gotten to the point yet where I don’t think I can do it.”
Woods believes he can still challenge for a 16th major at the Maters this week, despite his health
Regarding the state of his physical condition, Woods said: “I’m in pain every day. I have pain. And I prefer it warm, humid and hot. And I know we’re going to have thunder. So at least it will be warm. It won’t be like last year.’
Meanwhile, Woods is convinced that Rory McIlroy will one day win the Masters and reach the career slam along with just five other golfers – a group that includes Woods.
The 15-time Major winner said: ‘No doubt about it, he will do it one day. Rory is too talented, too good.
“He will be playing this event for a long time. He’ll get it done. It’s just a matter of when. But yeah, I think Rory will be a great Masters champion one day, and that could be this week. You never know. I just think the talent he has, the way he plays and the golf course suits him, it’s just a matter of time.”
