Tiger Woods Update: Could The Golfer Be Part Of A 2021 Tournament?

As Tiger Woods continues to recover from injuries that he suffered in a Feb. 23 car crash, it remains unknown if the legendary athlete will ever resume his professional golf career. Though, that doesn’t mean he can’t still be a part of notable tournaments, and there is even hope that Woods will have a role in one of this year’s biggest events.

U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker said Sunday that he hopes Woods can be at the event “in one way, shape or form,” reports ESPN.

After being postponed last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ryder Cup is scheduled for Sept. 21--26 at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Wisconsin. Stricker was asked at the Arnold Palmer Invitational if Woods might be named a vice captain to the U.S. team, but that doesn’t appear to be a decision that’s close to being made.

“I’m not going to go down that road now,” Stricker said. “Obviously we’re all pulling for him. We’re thankful that he’s alive. I don’t know who said it, but that his kids continue to have a father. Something even more tragic could have come from that."

He added, “I’d love to have him around [at the Ryder Cup]. I’m hoping in one way, shape or form. But it’s too early to kind of commit to anything.”

Woods was initially named a vice captain for the 2018 Ryder Cup by captain Jim Furyk, but the title was taken away when he later joined Team USA as a player. At the 2019 Presidents Cup, Stricker was an assistant captain to Woods, who was both a player and captain for the U.S. team.

Furyk, Davis Love III, and Zach Johnson have already been named vice captains, leaving two spots open.

It could be some time before Woods knows when, or if, he can return to the PGA Tour. The 45-year-old had a rod inserted into his right leg after suffering open fractures affecting his tibia and fibula bones.

Woods didn’t remember driving after the single-car accident, which required immediate surgery. Prior to the crash, the golfer hadn’t played competitively this year because of his fifth back surgery in several years.