Tiger Woods open to player-captain role at Presidents Cup

Ernie Els and Tiger Woods to lead teams in Presidents Cup

New York, March 14: Tiger Woods has indicated he would be keen on a dual player-captain role in next year's Presidents Cup, after he was confirmed as the skipper of the United States team.

After a torrid few years battling back problems, Woods is enjoying his best playing form since his last PGA Tour wins in 2013 and the 42-year-old generated huge excitement when finishing second at last week's Valspar Championship.

Asked in a news conference whether he and Els had thought about serving as playing captains in Melbourne, Woods initially raised a laugh when he simply replied with a grin: "Yes, I have."

The 14-time major champion subsequently added: "I would like to get to a point where I would have to make that decision. Let's just see how it progresses.

"Hale [Irwin] did it in the first year. It's going to be dependent on myself.

"It's a bridge that's a long way away from now. But if it does come to that point, it won't just be my decision. It will be collaborative, [based] on what is best for the team."

Both Woods and Els have played in eight Presidents Cup and served as vice-captains in recent events, while Woods was also an assistant to Davis Love III for the 2016 Ryder Cup.

"It is just a huge honour for me [to be named captain]," said Woods.

"It's something I've always wanted to do. I've always wanted to become a captain and I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity."

Els, a four-time major winner, added: "The Presidents Cup has provided me with many of the best memories of my career. To be named captain of the team is an incredible honour.

"Tiger and I have had some great duels in the past, and I look forward to the challenge of going against my longtime friend yet again in 2019."

Source: OPTA