Woods handed Ryder Cup wild card

Tiger Woods has been handed a Ryder Cup wild card by US captain Corey Pavin.

The world number one missed out on one of the eight automatic spots in the team following a difficult year in which he has been plagued by personal problems.

But he has now been named in the 12-man line-up for October's event at Celtic Manor as one of Pavin's four wild card picks, along with Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson and Rickie Fowler.

Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Jeff Overton, Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar had already sealed their places in the US team to take on Europe.

"These great 12 players are going to compete with much intensity and emotion," said Pavin. "And more importantly, I know the passion will be with our players, the fans and, of course, our great country."