Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker named as USA Ryder Cup vice-captains

Former world number one Tiger Woods has been confirmed as one of five vice-captains for the United States Ryder Cup team to face Europe at Hazeltine. The 14-time major winner is joined by Jim Furyk and Steve Striker in Davis Love III's backroom team, which already includes Tom Lehman, with one name still to be announced.

Woods, who is currently recovering from a second bout of back surgery and has not played since August, has featured seven times as a player but is already struggling to qualify automatically. Furyk and Stricker - both of whom are also outside the top eight positions - have meanwhile played in 12 Ryder Cups between them and complete an experienced line-up.

Love is permitted to call-up one further vice-captain for the match which takes place on 30 September to 2 October, and has not ruled out recruiting Phil Mickelson - though the five-time major winner is currently in line to qualify for an 11th match.

"To welcome four Vice Captains of this caliber is a giant first step towards preparing the 2016 team for success," said Love. "Tom, Jim, Steve and Tiger have over 50 years of combined Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup experiences that they are eager to share. They'll also be my eyes and ears from event to event next year on Tour. That's invaluable and, as Captain, I am grateful for their commitment, dedication and passion to win."

Woods, currently 36th in the USA Ryder Cup standings, added: "I'd like to thank Davis for his confidence in me and for my selection as a Ryder Cup Vice Captain. This is something I want to do. I will continue to do whatever I can to help win the Cup back. Once I'm fully healthy, I'd like to try to make the team too, but either way, I'm very excited to work with Davis, the other Vice Captains and the players to get a U.S. victory."