Justin Thomas and Daniel Berger have both been part of US Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, where they’ve worked alongside Tiger Woods, who has often been involved in a vice-captaincy role.
During the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National, both players were making their debuts for the US team. It was there that Berger made the call to ask Woods not to follow him around during his matches.
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“I just didn’t want to feel like an extra added pressure,” he said. “You know, we’re on such a big stage already. There’s so many people watching. I just felt like it might be better for me if he wasn’t with me that day.”
Berger’s comments provide an interesting perspective ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. With Keegan Bradley set to captain the US team, there are suggestions Tiger could be brought in as a vice-captain again.
The potential return of Woods in this role has sparked discussion about whether his presence truly helps or adds unnecessary pressure to an already intense environment.
Why Daniel Berger chose not to have Tiger Woods follow him around the course
23 Jul 2000: Tiger Woods of the USA plays off the second tee during the final round of the British Open Golf Championships at the Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland. Mandatory Credit: Harry How/ALLSPORT
Thomas couldn’t believe what Berger did during practice rounds at the 2017 Presidents Cup.
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Speaking on The Smylie Show, Thomas recalled a moment from that week involving Tiger and the impact he had as vice captain.
“The funny story that reminds me, that I just thought of when you said about him being a captain, I mean, my first experience was him as a vice captain at Liberty,” said Thomas.
“He was there, and we kind of have like pods or whatever, and it’s the captain, vice-captain that’s with your pod generally walks with the guys that are playing that match.
“And he happened to be with Brooks, DJ, Boog (Berger) and somebody else. I can’t remember but Boog and Brooks were going to play.
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“So Tiger was out walking with them.”
Tiger Woods faces unique challenges ahead of Ryder Cup captaincy
Nobody else in golf comes close to matching the presence Woods brings with him. He holds a unique position in the sport, one that can be felt by everyone around him.
Even now, players on the PGA Tour are still taken aback by the 50-year-old’s reputation. It’s hard to overstate just how much influence he carries, even among professionals who grew up watching him dominate the game.
And you could make a case that his role as captain might have more downsides than people realise. If anything, it’s fair to wonder if his presence could create extra pressure within the team environment.
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Other sports have seen legendary players struggle when they transition into coaching roles. Being great on the field doesn’t always translate to success off it, and while this isn’t common in golf, Tiger’s impact on the sport is unlike anyone else’s.
Tiger completely changed the way golf was played and viewed around the world. His record speaks for itself. And there aren’t many who can even come close to what he achieved during his career. That kind of legacy creates expectations and pressures that few others have had to navigate.
Tiger has always been someone who commands attention without needing to say much. Just being near him makes you feel like you need to step up your game – and for some players, that might not be as motivating as it sounds.
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