Tiger Woods will be named captain of the United States for the 2019 Presidents Cup on Tuesday, while Ernie Els of South Africa will lead the International team, according to multiple media reports.
Woods, who recently was named a vice-captain for the U.S. team by Captain Jim Furyk, previously served as a vice captain on the U.S. 2016 Ryder Cup team and the 2017 Presidents Cup team.
Although Woods has not played in the Presidents Cup since 2013, he has the best record in the event’s history, 24-15-1 in eight appearances, including a 6-2 mark in singles.
Woods, in his fourth event since his fourth back procedure, tied for second behind Paul Casey of England in the Valspar Championship on Sunday, prompting speculation that he might be a playing captain in the Presidents Cup next year at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia.
Although both certainly are deserving, naming Woods and Els as captains for the Presidents Cup should give the event a much-needed shot in the arm since the Americans have dominated the event, 10-1-1, winning the last seven times it was played.
The only victory by the International team, which is comprised of players from around the world other Europe, was by a 20½-11½ scored in 1998 at Royal Melbourne.
In 2003 at Fancourt Hotel and Country Club in George, South Africa, the teams played to a 17-17 tie. Woods and Els went head-to-head in a playoff that was all square after three extra holes when darkness halted play and it was declared a tie.
Woods sank a 15-foot par putt on the final playoff hole in near-darkness and Els matched his par with a six-footer.
