USA will not miss Woods

8:04am Saturday 21st June 2008

NICK Faldo is certain that the American Ryder Cup team will unite in the absence of Tiger Woods.

On the one side it could be a loss, but on the other they know that they don't have the option to bank on Tiger this year and I'm sure they'll all pull together because of that,'' Europe's captain said.

I don't think it's a given that it improves our chances. The best player in the world over 18 holes in match play can be very vulnerable - players raise their game in that kind of situation.

Ultimately we'll just have to wait and see and, in the meantime, let's hope that Tiger makes a swift recovery.

I am amazed at what he did.

To go two months without tournament play with minimal practice - I assume he could practise short game and putting, but apparently he only started long game the week before - and nobody knows how much pain he was in.'' Asked whether in view of how Woods captured his 14th major he now considered him the greatest of all time Faldo replied: I think he needs to get beyond Jack's record (18) to claim that, but he's certainly on track. '' Despite two nine-point wins in a row and not having to face Woods, Faldo is still expecting an even contest at Valhalla in September.

On paper we're coming off some strong wins and have a great tradition of team spirit in the Ryder Cup, but look at the rankings and you'll see that the US has a wealth of talent.

This is match play. You're playing for pride and a point and that makes things pretty equal.

In terms of the majors this is a great opportunity for the guys and a European winning the Open or US PGA can do wonders for the team.'' Woods has played five Ryder Cups and has been on the winning side only in Boston in 1999. But he was their leading scoring with three points out of five at The K Club two years ago.

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