Tiger Woods / Jim Epler
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Some people can win for losing.
Tiger Woods, who has yet to finish better than fourth at a professional golf tournament this year, was named to the U.S. Ryder Cup team Tuesday.
Corey Pavin made Woods one of his four captain's picks, even though Tiger's best finishes this season -- and only top-10 finishes -- were ties for fourth in the Masters and U.S. Open.
Well, Woods has won 14 major championships and 71 titles on the PGA Tour, so those must count for something.
Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson and PGA Tour rookie Rickie Fowler also were named to the squad.
Missing from the list was Charley Hoffman, despite his win at the Deutsche Bank Championship.
"There was a lot of thought put into it," said Pavin, who made his announcement at the New York Stock Exchange. "I spoke with all eight [qualified] members of the team as well and got their opinions."
The first eight roster spots were secured by Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Hunter Mahan and Ryder Cup rookies Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Jeff Overton and Matt Kuchar.
The 38th Ryder Cup will be held Oct. 1-3 at Celtic Manor in Wales.
"It's an honor to be selected," Woods told reporters via telephone. "I've been to Wales for the Walker Cup and look forward to going back."
The USA has not won on foreign soil since 1993.
Woods, 10-13-2 in five appearances in the Ryder Cup, missed the 2008 contest at Valhalla in Louisville, Ky., because of reconstructive knee surgery. Without Woods, the U.S. team defeated Europe, 16 1/2-11 1/2.
Pavin called Woods on Monday night and asked if he would like to be on the team.
"He said, 'Absolutely,' and said, 'Whatever you would like me to do, I will do, just tell me what you would like,' which is exactly what a captain likes to hear from any player on the team," Pavin said.
