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Pros and cons of Tiger Woods’ potential Presidents Cup picks

By David Salituro

US golfer and captain of the US Presidents Cup team Tiger Woods holds the trophy at a press conference in Melbourne on December 6, 2018, one year ahead of the 2019 edition to be held at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
US golfer and captain of the US Presidents Cup team Tiger Woods holds the trophy at a press conference in Melbourne on December 6, 2018, one year ahead of the 2019 edition to be held at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images) /
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INZAI, JAPAN – OCTOBER 27: Gary Woodland of the United States hits his tee shot on the 17th hole during the third round of the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club on October 27, 2019 in Inzai, Chiba, Japan. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
INZAI, JAPAN – OCTOBER 27: Gary Woodland of the United States hits his tee shot on the 17th hole during the third round of the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club on October 27, 2019 in Inzai, Chiba, Japan. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) /

Gary Woodland

Pros

Gary Woodland has the talent to be a Presidents Cup team member. One look at how he overpowered Pebble Beach, one of the most iconic venues in golf, on his way to the U.S. Open title in June shows just what he can do.

In addition to his U.S. Open trophy, Woodland had seven other top-10 finishes last season, including two runner-ups. A powerful hitter, he ranked 13th on tour in driving distance and 20th in strokes gained: approach to the green.

He’s also in solid form, with two top-five finishes in his last two events. The last of those, at the Zozo Championship, served as a perfect audition for the 35-year-old Kansas native looking to make his Team USA debut. He played the final two rounds with Woods and got the chance to impress the captain who will decide his fate on Thursday.

Cons

Woodland’s talent hasn’t always translated into results. At age 35, he has still yet to represent the United States in either the Presidents Cup or the Ryder Cup. All of the other contenders have at least one appearance in their careers.

His lack of experience in this type of tournament doesn’t bode well for his chances. In the past three Presidents Cups, rookies on Team USA are 26-27-7, a poor record given that they have otherwise dominated the event.

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