Woods may be hindrance - Seve - Sport in brief

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The 37th Ryder Cup starts on Friday in Kentucky where America will be hungry for revenge having suffered two successive heavy defeats at the hands of the European team but will be missing Woods, who is recovering from surgery after a knee injury earlier in the year.

"I have read rumours that Paul Azinger may ask Tiger Woods to talk to his players at Valhalla before the match to inspire them," the Spaniard told www.laureus.com. "He is the best golfer in the world and may have won three points last year, but I don't see him as a passionate Ryder Cup golfer who can inspire the team."

He added: "I prefer to believe in the strength of the team in the team room. The golfers on the fairways are not going to be able to turn round and ask Tiger Woods for help when the pressure comes on.

"If I was Azinger I would concentrate on pumping up my team, getting the chemistry of the pairings right and trust that my big stars (Phil) Mickelson and (Jim) Furyk lead by example and inspire the younger players.

"Former major winners like Curtis and Leonard have enjoyed big revivals this year and they will also be out to show that they are back.

"One thing we know, there will be passionate American supporters who will give the team the backing they need."