• Ryder Cup

Pavin may keep Tiger in his cage

Tiger Woods will practice at home after missing out on the Tour Championship © Getty Images

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Corey Pavin has revealed Tiger Woods is desperate to play in all five games at the Ryder Cup, but the USA captain may well rein in the world No. 1.

Woods will make his first appearance at the Ryder Cup in four years when USA and Europe lock horns at Celtic Manor in a fortnight, having missed the victory in Valhalla two years ago. He will head to Wales in indifferent form, as he has been short of his best this year since returning from an absence to combat issues in his private life.

His desire for Ryder Cup play has been questioned in the past, but he has made the right noises about this year's renewal and is champing at the bit to play a full part.

"We've talked about how many times he wants to play," Pavin said. "He said, 'I want to play five matches.' We talked about him not playing as many, and he said, 'Whatever's best for the team.'"

Pavin has dismissed suggestions that Woods may not be fully focused on USA's Ryder Cup defence.

"He's more than ready," Pavin said. "When he's there, he's 100% there. I think people maybe look at his record and come to some conclusion from that. Just because he doesn't have a winning record in the Ryder Cup doesn't mean he's not fully committed to it."

Woods teamed up well with Steve Stricker at the Presidents Cup and Pavin may well be leaning towards pairing the world No. 1 and world No. 4 together.

"I did notice that," Pavin said of Stricker's success with Woods. "I noticed a lot of things. It's important to look back at the history of who has played where, but it's not the only factor."

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