TIGER WOODS practically confirmed he will be America’s next Ryder Cup captain - and believes he can go into next year’s shoot-out in New York as a SIX time Masters champion.
Asked if it was a bit optimistic to think he had any chance of winning another green jacket when he is in constant pain from his injury-ravaged ravaged, Woods, 48 offered a typically bullish reply.
He said: “If everything comes together, I think I can get one more. Do I need to describe that any more than that, or are we good?”
After dropping that bombshell, Woods revealed he will be meeting the man in charge of the Ryder Cup team, USPGA chief executive Seth Waugh, to discuss the captaincy next week.
They would not be sitting down together if the 15 time Major winner was not planning to take on the role at Bethpage.
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“It's something that Seth and I are going to sit back and talk about after this event.” he commented.
“I said I'm going to be busy for a couple weeks, so let me focus on getting through this week and hopefully getting another jacket. Then we can sit back and talk about it next week.”
But Woods insisted he was not even thinking of giving up playing competitively - although as he talked about the legacy of his fused back and the life-threatening injuries he suffered in a car crash three years ago, you had to wonder why.
He explained: “I hurt every day. I ache every day. And as far as my physicality goes on certain shots, every shot that's not on a tee box is a challenge. So once we start the hole, it's a bit of a grind.
“This is certainly one of the hillier courses we play. From where the clubhouse is perched to the bottom of 12 green, we're just meandering back and forth across that hillside.
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“And yeah, it is a long walk. I think I've done just over six and a half miles here.
“The weather also plays a big part. The way my body is I prefer it warm and humid and hot.
“I know we're likely going to get some thunderstorms on Thursday, but at least it will be hot. It won't be like last year.”
The colder condition a year ago clearly affected Woods as he was forced to withdraw a few holes into the third round - although at least he equalled the record of 23 consecutive cuts at Augusta, previously achieved by Gary Player and Fred Couples.
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Claiming that record outright seems a far more realistic ambition than a sixth win, and Woods admitted it would be a significant milestone - even for a player used to smashing records here and all over the golfing landscape.
Woods added: “It would mean a lot. I think it's about consistency, it's longevity, and it's an understanding of how to play this golf course.
“This tournament has meant so much to me in my life and my family. I think I've been playing here for, what, 29 years now.
“It was the ultimate thrill as a teenager to be able to stay in the Crow's Nest and to watch Byron Nelson and Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen tee off on the first hole.
“It's been a part of my life to have won my first Major here in 1997. Hugging my dad, as you saw; then a full circle in 2019 to hug my son.
"So it has meant a lot to my family. It's meant a lot to me. I always want to keep playing in this tournament."