BLOOMFIELD HILLS, United States (AFP) - Tiger Woods was inspired for a top effort at the Ryder Cup long before United States captain Hal Sutton prodded him with talk about past failures and his place in golf history.
Despite only one victory this year and being dethroned earlier this month as world number one, the 28-year-old American legend could be crucial to US hopes of reclaiming the trophy in the biennial team golf showdown against Europe.
"I feel strongly Tiger Woods is ready. You all might see some of Tiger's greatest golf this week," Sutton said.
"I spent a lot of time talking to Tiger last night. He's very interested in the outcome. I've been licking my chops over it. I don't think he's in any sort of slump. I aspire to be in his slumps. Don't be worried about Tiger Woods."
Sutton told Woods, the youngest man on the US team, that past Cup efforts in two losses and a narrow 1999 victory were not enough.
"All we have to do is just say, 'Hey Tiger, it's time you felt this is important. I want you to realize that this is going to be an area that guys are going to judge you by down the road whether you like it or dislike it,'" said Sutton.
"'You're the one who chose to be as great as you are. They are going to judge you by this. This is going to be another barometer of success for you. Let's give it all you have got and lead this team.'"
Woods, 5-8 with two halved in Ryder Cup play, said he took the Cup seriously even before Sutton tried to stir his passions by pointing out his idol Jack Nicklaus was 17-8-3 on US teams that had five triumphs and a Cup-keeping draw.
"I've gone out there with the same attitude and that is to win. You guys know how competitive I am," Woods said.
"I've gone out there and I've tried my best. Unfortunaltely I haven't gotten more points for my team," Woods said. "Hopefully this year I'll be able to go out and get more points for our team and we can win."
As far as his place in history, eight-time major-winner Woods proved his point by comparing Nicklaus' 18 majors and his Cup record.
"I've played well and lost. What can I do?" Woods said. "What was Jack's record in the Ryder Cup? Anybody?"
Getting no response, Woods smiled and asked, "How many majors did Jack win?" Hearing the quick replies that proved his point, Woods laughed and said, "Oh really."
Woods indicated that personal woes would not be a worry this week, saying there was no truth to reports that he was having relationship troubles with fiancee Elin Nordegren, a Swedish model.
"That's completely false, 100 percent false actually," Woods said. "Nothing has happened to us. We're still very happy. We've had no arguments."