Woods defends Ryder Cup tactics

Nine days have passed since the United States lost the 34th Ryder Cup to an inspired Europe at The Belfry, but Tiger Woods still defends the last-day singles strategy adopted by American skipper Curtis Strange.

The world number one believes Europe's victory by 15-1/2 points to 12-1/2 owed all to their high-quality golf and the bold gamble by European captain Sam Torrance to send out his best players first.

The U.S. had gone into the last-day singles as firm favourites to retain the trophy, having lost in that format just twice in the previous 11 competitions.

But Torrance's ploy of sending his big guns out early proved to be a masterstroke.

"On Saturday night, all of the players had complete input on the Sunday pairings and were in total agreement with Curtis before he left to present his lineup," Woods said on his official website.

"As close as the match was, we thought it would probably come down to the last few singles matches.

"We liked the middle part of our lineup and just felt, if we could win one or two of the early matches, we would be in great shape if Europe didn't get off to a fast start.

"And if they didn't, they were going to be in a world of hurt. If one of those early matches had turned from a loss to a win, how smart would Curtis have looked?"

As it happened, though, Europe dominated the early exchanges in the singles matches with their talisman Colin Montgomerie leading the way. The big Scot went on to beat American Scott Hoch by a convincing 5 & 4 in the top game.

Needing 6-1/2 points on the final day to regain the trophy they last held at Valderrama in 1997, Europe secured other comfortable early wins through Padraig Harrington and Bernhard Langer.

World number two Phil Mickelson and Woods, playing in the 11th and last singles matches respectively, were not allowed to make any early impact of their own and Mickelson eventually slumped to a shock defeat by 3 & 2 to Welsh rookie Philip Price.

"As it turned out, the Europeans played great, especially the rookies," said Woods. "Once we got behind, we couldn't catch up.

"You have to tip your cap to Sam Torrance. He set up the course the way his players are accustomed to playing it on the European Tour and basically took the driver out of our hands."

Woods completed his third Ryder Cup by failing to enhance his reputation as a team player, collecting only 2-1/2 points out of a possible five to lift his overall total to just six from 15 matches.

He was never going to be a fist-pumping, crowd-manipulating Ryder Cup player like Spaniard Sergio Garcia, but the world number one was criticised for his low-key demeanour during the week and his preference for doing things his own way.

He was even taken to task over his decision to tee off early in practice with Mark Calcavecchia, despite the fact that Strange had given his consent and wanted his players to prepare just as they would for a major.

"I got criticised for that, which I thought was unfair," said Woods.

"Curtis told us: 'Do whatever you usually do to prepare for a major championship.' As everyone knows, I like to play early, then go home and rest.

"That afternoon, Curtis came up and told me people were upset. Needless to say, I was very surprised."

Although Woods was frustrated he could do nothing to help the American cause playing in the last match out on Sunday -- he eventually squared his match with Swede Jesper Parnevik on the 18th green -- he insists he thoroughly enjoyed the Ryder Cup.

"Even though we lost the Ryder Cup, I had a good time," he said. "It's definitely the most fun I've had and the highlight is always getting to know the guys better.

"Contrary to what has been said and written, I was excited about playing. I think the (U.S.) team came together on Monday after everyone unpacked and met in the team room. That's when everyone started to get jacked up.

"The team room was cool and the best part of the whole week. More than anything, it was just a nice release. It was a great place to hang out, and relax with ping pong, darts, pool and video games."

In certain quarters, doubts have been raised over Woods's appearance at future Ryder Cups. But the reigning U.S. Masters and U.S. Open champion insists he enjoyed the experience, and is determined to be at Oakland Hills in Michigan for 2004.

"I'm already looking forward to that," he said. "I hear Hal Sutton is going to be named the next captain of the U.S. team and I think he would be a great choice with his leadership and personality traits."

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