Woods selection destined to divide opinion

As predicted, Corey Pavin made room for world No. 1 Tiger Woods in his 12-man team for October's Ryder Cup. The decision to pick the 14-time Major champion appeared a formality, despite his inconsistent form. However, Jonathan Liew from The Telegraph believes Pavin's decision to pick Woods will divide opinion.

European captain Colin Montgomerie was relieved to have the chance to test his side against the world No 1, saying he was "delighted" Woods had received a wild card selection. "I am delighted to see Tiger Woods amongst Corey's selections – the Ryder Cup is a better event with him in it," he said.

"Corey has used his four captain's picks to good effect, as I knew he would. Like my European team, the American side has an excellent blend of youthful talent."

Montgomerie felt Pavin's pain. He had his fair share of out-of-form stars to sift through last week, when he selected Padraig Harrington but omitted Sergio Garcia from the European dozen.

Perhaps Montgomerie's satisfaction owed something to Woods's Ryder Cup record, an anomalous one given his predominance in stroke play. The criticisms of Woods as a Ryder Cup player are legion, and critics point to his poor record in foursomes and fourballs as a sign that his single-mindedness is counterproductive to team golf.

Peter Oosterhuis, who played in six Ryder Cups against the Americans, believed that Woods would be a hindrance rather than a help.

"Reading about things that have happened with Tiger playing in the Ryder Cup before, he hasn't fitted in with the team very well at all," he said. "I have my doubts about how he will this year. He should be leading and inspiring.

"I don't think he's going to help the team. I think he's just going to muddy the waters and cause problems that they don't need."

Oosterhuis is not alone in his view. Woods's former coach, Butch Harmon, has previously said that Woods needs an extended break to "get his head right", while Tony Jacklin believes that Woods's ego, as well as the media circus that is sure to accompany him, will have an unsettling effect.

"The way he is playing, he wouldn't beat anybody," Jacklin said last month. "If it were up to me, I wouldn't pick him. The focus on him would be detrimental to team spirit."

Still, leaving Woods out had the potential to cause a far greater fuss than picking him. Greg Norman defended Pavin's decision, saying: "How could you not put him on the team?

If you had to make a six-footer on Sunday afternoon to win the Ryder Cup, who would you pick? It would be Tiger Woods. He's made more six-footers to win championships than any other player on that team."