Stewart Cink not surprised by Tiger Woods’ Ryder Cup refusal as he becomes surprise favorite to captain USA

Stewart Cink admits he is not shocked by the news that Tiger Woods has rejected the job of US Ryder Cup captain, with Keegan Bradley emerging as the surprise frontrunner for the role.

US bosses will announce on Tuesday at 5pm UK time who will lead the team against the European title holders next year in Bethpage. Woods had been the clear favourite but sources say he has turned down the opportunity with Bradley now firmly in the running. Cink, Fred Couples and Davis Love III have also been mentioned as leading candidates apart from Woods.

Speaking on the driving range at the Renaissance, the 2009 Open champion admitted that Woods’ rejection came as no surprise. He said: “I thought he (Woods) should have taken a chance first and he did. It doesn’t surprise me that he turned it down because since he took that position on the board, the PGA Tour is pretty busy at the moment and he’s got a lot on his plate.”

“He’s also got a lot to do off the course, with his injuries and his efforts to recover and get himself in the condition to play. It’s probably an important role when you consider all that.

“I got a lot of calls today from some media that I know in the US and I thought that’s probably what it was about. But I didn’t hear anything, they didn’t tell me anything. No (surprise, Tiger refused), because I’ve heard that before too.”

Woods appeared to be the first choice, having captained the winning Presidents Cup team five years ago and also served as an assistant at the Ryder Cup. However, the announcement of PGA CEO Seth Waugh’s departure last month was cited as a reversal of that trend.

Bradley, who played in two Ryder Cups in 2012 and 2014, was passed over for a wild-card spot last fall in Rome. Cink will learn of the PGA’s final decision at today’s Renaissance Pro-Am with a laugh: “I tee off at 3:52, so I’ll be on the seventh hole, I guess!”

But he added: “To be part of the team as a player or vice-captain, like I was last year, is an incredible experience and I would like to be part of as many teams as possible because it is a chance to represent your country.