Tiger Woods makes business statement as Zach Johnson speaks on Ryder Cup dilemma

Daily Mirror

8 hours ago

The golfing world is already gearing up for the year's final major at the Open Championship, with the Ryder Cup also a hot topic of conversation. Many of the sport's leading figures are taking a break before the Scottish Open next week, as they prepare for the Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland later this month.
British golfers Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose have taken advantage of their downtime to indulge in another sport. Stateside, Keegan Bradley has named his fifth vice-captain for the Ryder Cup.
However, Zach Johnson has expressed doubts about the prospect of Bradley serving as a playing captain. Away from competing, Tiger Woods is expanding his business empire as he continues his recovery from surgery.
Zach Johnson comments on Keegan Bradley
Former Ryder Cup captain Johnson was asked about the possibility of Bradley breaking with tradition by becoming a playing captain at the Bethpage Black Course in September. Johnson led the US team at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Fresh from his victory at the Travelers Championship, Bradley is currently ranked seventh in the world and has yet to confirm his decision to compete as a player. If he does, he would be the first captain to do so since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Johnson confessed that he would have found it challenging to juggle both roles at the Ryder Cup, albeit having complete confidence in the current team and their calls.
When asked by The Golf Channel about the possibility of being a playing captain, Johnson admitted: "I mean obviously that's a massive hypothetical. I could not, personally, but I wasn't playing at near the level that Keegan was playing then or now. No one's surprised by that level, I mean, we're talking about a stalwart in our game.
"No, I cannot, but, I say that, it's hypothetical. I don't know what would have transpired if that were the case. This year, they're going to have difficult choices regardless, whether he's playing or not. Ultimately, I firmly trust any and all decisions that they'll be making."
Gary Woodland joins Ryder Cup team
As Bradley ponders the prospect of becoming the first playing captain in over six decades, he has brought on board Gary Woodland as his latest vice-captain. This marks Woodland's first involvement in a Ryder Cup in any capacity, either as a player or vice-captain.
This appointment comes just two years after Woodland, the 2019 US Open champion, underwent brain surgery to remove a tumour. The 41-year-old joins Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker as vice-captains.
"Keegan's passion for this event is contagious and I am thrilled to be a part of it," Woodland said. "With just over two months to go until we arrive at Bethpage, I am fully committed to doing everything I can to help Keegan as well as our team of vice-captains and players."
Bradley stated his admiration for Woodland upon his appointment: "I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for Gary and all he has accomplished in this game. As a major champion and someone who is still competing at a high level, he is well aware of the demands of performing on golf's biggest stages. He will be a valuable leader for us over the coming months and throughout the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black."
Tiger Woods expands business
Woods has been busy off the course expanding his business ventures. Despite being sidelined from competition due to Achilles surgery, Woods has been growing his Sun Day Red apparel line, which he launched last year in collaboration with TaylorMade.
Initially adopting a direct-to-customer sales model since its inception last May, Sun Day Red gear will now also grace the shelves of various on-course golf shops across the US. As reported by Forbes, Woods explained that the venues are all places that hold significant meaning in his illustrious career.
"These aren't just any golf courses. Many of these places hold deep meaning for me," Woods explained. "Some are where I've won tournaments that shaped my career, others are courses I've had the privilege to design, venues where I've competed in majors, and clubs where I'm honoured to be a member. It feels right to have Sun Day Red available at these special places where the game is played."
Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood enjoy Wimbledon
Golf stars Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose swapped the fairways for the tennis court as they enjoyed some downtime at Wimbledon. The pair were spotted in the prestigious Royal Box at the All England Club, rubbing shoulders with a host of celebrities.
Rose, alongside his wife Kate, was seen soaking up the tennis action on Tuesday, seated near Hollywood A-listers Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe. The former US Open champion watched Barbora Krejcikova kick off her title defence, Alexander Zverev's surprising exit and Novak Djokovic's victorious start.
Fleetwood, who recently narrowly missed out on his first PGA title at the Travellers Championship, made his Wimbledon appearance the next day. He and his wife Clare were snapped in the Royal Box, sharing the space with the likes of John Cena, Olivia Rodrigo and Dave Grohl. Fleetwood had the chance to watch reigning Wimbledon champ Carlos Alcaraz and women's world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in action.