Despite having a poor track record when it comes to the Ryder Cup, Team USA vice-captain Tom Lehman feels that Tiger Woods will be a 'huge advantage' for his side's hopes.
Team Europe are on the hunt for a fourth consecutive victory in the biennial tournament, and Woods has suffered at the hands of the continents success, having won the trophy just once in six attempts, but Lehman thinks his mental game can help get them over the line.
"There is no peer when it comes to breaking down and attacking a course. He has a level of strategic analysis that nobody else can match," he said.
Back in 2006, Lehman captained Woods at the K Club and admitted that it was difficult to find the right partner for him given his stature in the game.
"Having a Tiger Woods on your team in any capacity means a lot."
"The difficulty was pairing him with anyone because of the way he thought about the game. There were guys on our team who were intimidated by him."
Padraig Harrington celebrates on the clubhouse balcony at the K Club.
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Team Europe vice-captain Padraig Harrington echoed the sentiments made by Lehman, but feels that Woods' impact could go either way.
"I don't think we'd be sending our own team out, especially the rookies, and not making it clear in their head that Tiger could be stood there watching the tee shots," he said on BBC Radio 5 live.
"Some of these rookies have never played with Tiger, never really experienced him. Clearly it could be off putting for either team. For us guys playing now he's the greatest golfer we'll ever see, he can be quite intimidating in that sense unless you're prepared for it."
It's been six years since Team USA have claimed the bragging rights but Lehamn says that the pressure is not having an adverse effect on their preparations.
"Everyone is loose and ready to go. The US has nothing to lose.
"From what I have observed there is a more collective mindset of what we are trying to achieve.
"The whole demeanour of the team is way more unified than it has been."
The Ryder Cup tees off next weekend at Hazeltine National, Minnesota on the 30th of September.
Via the BBC.co.uk
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