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Tiger Woods comeback continues as he joins Phil Mickelson as captain’s pick wild cards for US Ryder Cup team

Veterans join amateur Bryson DeChambeau as Jim Furyk’s selections to take on Europe in France from September 28-30

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Tiger Woods speaks after being chosen along with Phil Mickelson (L) as Captain's Picks by US Ryder Cup team captain Jim Furyk. Photo: AFP

In January, Tiger Woods accepted US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk’s request to be an assistant captain for the upcoming tussle with Europe.

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There was a catch, however. Woods, coming off the fourth surgery on his back and just starting his latest comeback, told Furyk he wanted to play.

It seemed like a long shot – no one, not even Tiger, knew what to expect in this comeback. Well, Woods exceeded expectations and now needs to quit his job as an assistant.

As expected, Furyk used three of his four discretionary selections Tuesday to pick Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau. The three – who ranked 11, 10 and nine, respectively in Ryder Cup standings – left little doubt over the course of the year that they deserve to wear the red, white and blue, easing Furyk’s decision. With the selection of Woods, Furyk also named as his vice captains David Duval, Zach Johnson and Matt Kuchar.

“Well, at the beginning of the year, that was one of my goals, was to make this team. Deep down, I wanted to make the team. I really wanted to play on it,” Woods said. “Now, I had not started playing golf really yet, but still, it was a goal at the end of the season is to be able to make this team. As the year progressed, I’ve kind of gained some traction, and was somehow able to get some high finishes and lo and behold, I’m a part of this team.

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Tiger Woods (L) and Phil Mickelson on the fairway during the first round of the Deutsche Bank Championship. Photo: Reuters
Tiger Woods (L) and Phil Mickelson on the fairway during the first round of the Deutsche Bank Championship. Photo: Reuters
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