Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker named USA Ryder Cup vice-captains

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.

The announcement was made at a press conference yesterday and they will join Tom Lehman - an earlier appointment - in assisting Love, with a fifth vice-captain to be named at a later date.

Love said: “Tom, Jim, Steve and Tiger have over 50 years of combined Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup experiences that they are eager to share.

“They will also be my eyes and ears from event to event next year on Tour. That’s invaluable.”

Woods had already asked to be considered for one of the roles should he fail to qualify for the team, and said: “Once I’m fully healthy, I’d like to try to make the team too, but either way, I’m very excited to work with Davis, the other vice-captains and the players to get a US victory.”

Should Woods qualify, either automatically or via a captain’s pick, Love has the option to name a replacement.

A delighted Furyk said: “The Ryder Cup is in my DNA and I love everything about this event, the enormity of the stage, the passion, the competition, and the pressure.”

The tournament takes place next year at Hazeltine National Golf Club between September 27 and October 2.

Meanwhile Shane Lowry believes having ‘an ear’ to some of Ireland’s leading sports stars will help his career. Lowry was spotted at Tuesday night’s now annual ‘Beach Party’ on the sands at the stunning Atlantis Hotel complex chatting with F1 legend Eddie Jordan, and he revealed on the eve of today’s DP World Tour Championship he has lengthy conversations with Robbie Keane and Martin O’Neill.

Lowry tees-up in the season finale event at the Jumeriah Estates course lying fourth on the Race to Dubai money list.

“Hopefully, I can make it as exciting as I can on Sunday,” he said.

“I have my coach, Neil Manchip with me this week, so I am sure also I can only benefit with Neil being here.”

If Lowry were to get himself in contention for a second victory this season, then he believes he can draw on bits of advice from the likes of Jordan, Keane and O’Neill.

“Subconsciously I have learnt and picked up plenty of advice from chatting with leading sports people,” said Lowry.

“I have a good friend who is very friendly with Martin O’Neill and he arranged for us to have coffee with Martin one evening. Chatting to Eddie on Tuesday night was great as he’s one of the most successful Irish-born sport stars, and Eddie is a funny character. My caddy, Dermot stays with him each year when we play at Wentworth.

“I’ve clearly learnt something and it’s nice for them to give me their mobile numbers that anytime I want to call them, then feel free to do so.”

IRISH TEE TIMES (Irish time) Shane Lowry – 8.30am, Rory McIlroy – 8.40am.