Tiger Woods joins Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau as captain’s picks for Ryder Cup

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SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports’ Steve DiMeglio discusses the possible head-to-head showdown that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are currently planning.
USA TODAY

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — In January, Tiger Woods accepted U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk’s request to be an assistant captain for the upcoming tussle with Europe.

There was a catch, however. Woods, coming off the fourth surgery on his back and just starting his latest comeback, told Furyk he wanted to play.

It seemed like a long shot — no one, not even Tiger, knew what to expect in this comeback. Well, Woods exceeded expectations and now needs to quit his job as an assistant.

As expected, Furyk used three of his four discretionary selections Tuesday to pick Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau. The three left little doubt over the course of the year that they deserve to wear the red, white and blue, easing Furyk’s decision. With the selection of Woods, Furyk also named as his vice captains David Duval, Zach Johnson and Matt Kuchar.

MORE: Tiger Woods still seeks elusive win after rough week in Boston

MORE: Phil Mickelson makes his case for Ryder Cup again with a closing 63

MORE: Bryson DeChambeau makes it two wins in a row in FedExCup playoffs.

Woods, 42, who was ranked No. 1,199th last December, has climbed to No. 26 on the strength of five top-6 finishes, including a second in the PGA Championship and a tie for sixth in the British Open.

Mickelson, 48, who has been on the last 23 U.S. Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, won the WGC-Mexico Championship and is ranked No. 24 in the world. His immeasurable presence in the team room is well documented.

DeChambeau, 24, a U.S. Amateur and NCAA individual champion who will make his Ryder Cup debut, has won the first two events of the FedExCup Playoffs, joining Vijay Singh as the only players to accomplish the feat. DeChambeau also won the Memorial earlier this year.

Furyk will make his final pick Monday. This week’s BMW Championship is the final chance for players to impress Furyk. Among the leading contenders for the last pick are Tony Finau, Xander Schauffele and Kevin Kisner.

Europe captain Thomas Bjorn will announce his four picks on Wednesday. The Ryder Cup will played Sept. 28-30 in Paris.

Woods, Mickelson and DeChambeau join a formidable octuple who earned their berths as the top 8 qualifiers — world No. 1 Dustin Johnson; No. 2 and reigning U.S. Open and PGA champion Brooks Koepka; No. 3 and reigning FedExCup champion Justin Thomas; No. 9 Rickie Fowler; No. 10 Jordan Spieth, No. 13 Bubba Watson, reigning Masters champion Patrick Reed; and reigning Players champion Webb Simpson.

Woods will be playing in his first Ryder Cup since 2012, when he went 0-3-1 as Europe stormed back on the final day for victory. Woods has played in the Ryder Cup seven times, amassing a 13-17-3 record, including 4-1-2 in singles.

Woods was a key factor in the USA’s 17-11 victory in 2016 as an assistant captain, as players gravitated to his wisdom and encouraging words.

Mickelson will be playing in his 12th Ryder Cup. He has an 18-20-7 record, including 5-5-1 in singles.