Davis Love III has named Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker as three of Team USA’s vice-captains for next year’s Ryder Cup in Minnesota.

Graeme McDowell remains confident of taking his place in next fortnight’s Masters despite withdrawing with a lower left ankle injury after nine holes of the Valero Texas Open.

It was like a final insult in what was Rory McIlroy’s final event as the defending European No. 1 — being asked to tape a TV piece congratulating Henrik Stenson on succeeding him in winning the Race to Dubai.