Seve: Leave Tiger out of Ryder team affairs

Published on Wednesday 17 September 2008 09:50

SEVE BALLESTEROS has warned America captain Paul Azinger that relying on the help of Tiger Woods at this year's Ryder Cup could do more harm than good.

The 37th Ryder Cup starts on Friday in Kentucky where America will be hungry for revenge having suffered three successive defeats at the hands of the European team.

One significant absentee will be Tiger Woods, who is recovering from surgery after a knee injury earlier in the year.

Despite dominating the golfing world over the last two decades, Woods has a relatively poor Ryder Cup record. Of the 20 games Woods has played, he has won only seven, lost 11 and halved two.

But, nevertheless, Azinger has revealed he will be in close contact with the 14-time major champion throughout to seek his advice.

But Ballesteros believes using Woods as an unofficial 13th man could do more harm than good.

"I have read rumours that Paul Azinger may ask Tiger Woods to talk to his players at Valhalla before the match to inspire them," the Spaniard said.

"He is the best golfer in the world and may have won three points last year, but I don't see him as a passionate Ryder Cup golfer who can inspire the team.

"I prefer to believe in the strength of the team in the team room. The golfers on the fairways are not going to be able to turn round and ask Tiger Woods for help when the pressure comes on. If I was Azinger I would concentrate on pumping up my team, getting the chemistry of the pairings right and trust that my big stars (Phil) Mickelson and (Jim) Furyk lead by example and inspire the younger players."