• Ryder Cup

Pavin fires Ryder Cup warning to Woods

ESPN staff
May 25, 2010
Corey Pavin has called for Tiger Woods to raise his game ahead of the Ryder Cup © Getty Images
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US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin has warned Tiger Woods that he is not guaranteed a place in this year's team.

Pavin has four captain's picks in addition to eight automatic qualifiers for the 2010 American team for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in October, but he insists Woods will have to prove himself to earn his place.

Woods has played just three tournaments since a five-month break from the sport and is yet to show form and consistency. He is currently 11th in the Ryder Cup standings. Phil Mickelson leads the way, followed by Anthony Kim and Jim Furyk.

Woods' record at the Ryder Cup is a blemish on his otherwise impressive CV. In five tournaments he has been on the winning team only once, and the world No. 1 has won just 44 per cent of his matches. He missed the 2008 event as he recovered from knee surgery.

Despite his record, Woods' absence would certainly be a blow for tournament organisers, but Pavin insists the world No. 1 will only be picked if he is in form.

"I'm not going to treat Tiger any different than any other player," Pavin told Reuters. "He's certainly not going to be an automatic pick.

"He's just going to be treated like everyone else. I'd love to have him on the team but I want him to be playing well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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