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.
Woods and Ernie Els will lead the respective US and International teams
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."
Anything can happen when you bring in a few Roos to meet @TheBig_Easy & @TigerWoods 😂#PresidentsCup pic.twitter.com/vJPcL5Rf1S
— Presidents Cup (@PresidentsCup) March 13, 2018
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."
Raise your hand if you're excited for our 2019 #PresidentsCup Captains, @TigerWoods & @TheBig_Easy 🖐️
— Presidents Cup (@PresidentsCup) March 13, 2018
See you in @Melbourne! pic.twitter.com/T3YSNgdhlL
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