• Golf

Woods has backing of Ryder Cup captain Pavin

ESPN staff
December 18, 2009
Tiger Woods has the backing of US captain © Getty Images
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Embattled Tiger Woods remains firmly in the plans of US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin.

Woods is taking an indefinite break from the game following the sex scandal that sent shockwaves through the world of sport.

There is no indication when Woods will make a return to action, but Pavin is not ruling out the world number one from representing his side at Celtic Manor.

"To not have the best player in the world weakens the team," Pavin said. "That does not mean we can't win without him because obviously we did last time, but you always want the best player in the world."

Pavin is convinced Woods will work through the issues that are threatening his marriage. "Everybody makes mistakes. I'm not going to sit here in judgment, I am the last guy in the world to do that," Pavin said. "I just hope things work out for him and Elin. It's obviously an emotional time for him, but I think he's going to be fine.

"Tiger's obviously a very strong-minded individual and I don't think he will play any differently when he comes back. He's come back from injuries and setbacks (Woods' father died in 2006) and done fine. But my main concern at the moment is for his family."

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