RYDER CUP Sutton challenges Woods to lead

U.S. captain Hal Sutton reminded Tiger Woods about his Ryder Cup record.
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- Maybe it was a pre-Ryder Cup pep talk in disguise, maybe it wasn't. Tiger Woods insists he didn't take offense, and U.S. captain Hal Sutton denies pushing golf's biggest name into becoming a team player like, say, Jack Nicklaus.
To those accustomed to the don't-step-on-Tiger's tail deference normally paid Woods, Sutton's motivational words Tuesday sounded more like those heard at halftime in a locker room than in a pleasant chat alongside the 18th green.
Sutton, picked to lead the Americans partly because of his reputation for being candid and assertive, is challenging Woods to do something about a 5-8-2 Ryder Cup record that compares poorly to Nicklaus' 17-8-3.
"All we have to do is say, 'Hey, Tiger, it's time you felt this was important,"' Sutton said Tuesday. "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. ... Let's give it all you got and lead this team."
Nicklaus not mentioned
Sutton conveniently didn't mention Nicklaus competed in only one Ryder Cup after continental players were added in 1979 to make the biennial competition more than an exhibition of American talent. It has, too; Europe has won three of the last four and six of the last nine competitions.
Woods dismissed, though not with any anger, Sutton's analogy that his Ryder Cup record, will be long remembered.
"I'm sure all of you guys probably know what Jack's record is in the Ryder Cup, right?" he said, looking around a room filled with reporters. "Anybody? No?"
Woods offered another question to the now-silenced room.
"How many majors did he win?"
At once, several spoke up, "18."
Woods smiled without saying a word.
Partly self-created
Still, the perception Woods cares more about winning tournaments and cash than Ryder Cups was partly self-created.
Asked shortly before the 2002 Ryder Cup if he preferred to win it or the World Golf Championship, Woods chose the latter, saying, "Why? I can think of a million reasons" -- a reference to the $1 million first prize.
The remarks added to the perception the European players care more about the Ryder Cup than the Americans. One reason frequently cited: The European tour offers less prize money and perks, and the top golfers sometimes travel together to share costs.
"There's usually one hotel where all the players stay," Luke Donald said. "They meet up at night and go out to dinner. Through that, they seem to have better friendships."
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