Tiger Woods' Ryder Cup role? Zach Johnson: "Best we navigate this ourselves"

Zach Johnson has confirmed Tiger Woods won't be making an appearance at the Ryder Cup to support Team USA as he responded to Bryson DeChambeau's latest comments about being overlooked for a captain's pick. 

Johnson and his European counterpart Luke Donald met with a pool of reporters on 25 September ahead of the 44th contest which begins on Friday morning. 

The American skipper was asked to respond to the latest remarks made by DeChambeau, 30, who claimed his second LIV Golf victory of 2023 over the weekend at Rich Harvest Farms in Chicago.  

As far as DeChambeau is concerned, it would have 'been nice' to at the very least receive a phone call from Johnson considering he was part of the 2021 side that swept aside Padraig Harrington's Europe with ease at Whistling Straits. 

Watch below what DeChambeau had to say:

Here's Bryson DeChambeau discussing his Ryder Cup snub after winning LIV Golf Chicago.



"I could have definitely racked up some points for Team USA." pic.twitter.com/2aahzMrk8x

— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) September 25, 2023

When Johnson announced his six captain's picks earlier in the month he confirmed that no LIV players, other than Brooks Koepka, got a call. 

Dustin Johnson went 5-0-0 in Whistling Straits and he claimed his defection to the breakaway tour ultimately cost him a spot on the team, although Jack Nicklaus disagrees. 

Johnson was asked: "Can you explain why he [Bryson] wasn't [called], and some other players perhaps? I wonder, do you have any regrets about who you didn't call in terms of picks, and the did other LIV guys, other than Brooks obviously, come seriously into consideration for a pick?

The 47-year-old captain replied:

"He's got a lot on his plate"

Johnson also confirmed Woods will not be making the trip to the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. 

Woods, 47, is back walking again and recently caddied for his 14-year-old son Charlie Woods as he ticked off another victory in his junior career.

Johnson said: "No, Tiger will not be joining us in Italy. He's got a lot on his plate.

"As far as conferring with him, communicating with him, I mean, we have up to this point, and he is one of -- he understands that now that our feet are on the ground, it's probably kind of best that we navigate this ourselves.

"But he's always on inner corner, and at this point it's more encouragement on his side, whether he's texting the guys or texting the vice captains and captains, he's there to encourage because he's very invested in what we do year-in and year-out with Team USA, and that has never ceased and I'm grateful for that."

Can the US win on European soil for the first time since 1993? #RyderCUp pic.twitter.com/rz9ptJJTiI

— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) September 25, 2023

He added: "I mean, he's the best player of our generation. Thankfully he's an American. We are going to utilise his knowledge and his wisdom and his candor and his passion the best we can.

"When it comes to the week of the tournament, if you're not in on it and inside the team room, inside the ropes, shoulder-to-shoulder with these guys, it's not fair to ask him questions. It's probably -- he can give us insights, don't get me wrong. At the same time, I don't know if that's proper and I think he would understand completely."

Read more:

• Report: LIV Golf official skipping Ryder Cup to avoid drama
• Rory McIlroy laughs as he addresses the most ridiculous (?) thing he's ever said
• Henrik Stenson opens up on Ryder Cup sacking days before showdown in Rome
• Is Luke Donald bitter over initial Ryder Cup skipper rejection? Let him tell you