Tiger can't wait to unleash Presidents Cup squad

United States captain Tiger Woods can't wait to square off against the International Team for the Presidents Cup at Australia's Royal Melbourne Golf Club in December.

As Woods continues his preparation for the prestigious team competition from Dec 9-15, he said the depth of the American talent pool has been evident throughout the qualifying process, which will see the top eight players as of Aug 19 secure places on his team.

"I think it's never been more difficult to qualify for a US Team," Woods wrote in his latest captain's blog on www.presidentscup.com.

"You look at the names currently outside the top eight and it's amazing to think of the depth this team will have in December.

"It shows the incredible combination of veteran talent and young players who are ready to play on the biggest stage."

Those currently sitting outside the top eight include a trio of major winners and proven team members in Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson, while Rickie Fowler, Webb Simpson, Kevin Kisner and even Woods himself are presently out of the top eight and might require Woods to use his four captain's picks to complete the 12-man roster.

He is also excited at the prospect of young stars such as Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele making his team.

Cantlay won the Memorial Tournament in June while Schauffele has won twice this season, the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in China and Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.

"Two of the best young guys are Patrick and Xander. I've played a lot rounds at Jack's place (Memorial Tournament) and enjoyed some success, but Patrick's 64 at the Memorial was seriously impressive," said Woods.

"He was also right there on Sunday at the Masters. For a guy who has only been out here a short time, Patrick is just scratching the surface of what he can accomplish.

"Xander is in a similar boat. He already has two wins this season and quietly went about his business to finish in the top five at the US Open. He has proven he can handle the spotlight, which is exactly what we need when we get to Royal Melbourne."

With reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year and world No 1 Brooks Koepka leading the US Team standings, Woods knows he can count on him to lead his squad.

"What else is there to say about Brooks? Winning the PGA Championship the way he did and almost making it three in a row at the US Open is really impressive," said the captain.

"He's doing all the little things well. If you watch his rounds, he misses the balls in the correct spots, leaving himself the easier ups-and-downs. If he misses a tee shot, it's always on the correct side. He's found what works for him and it's adding up over 72 holes.

"He's the leader of our standings, so it'll be nice to have him on the team in December."

Woods said he expects new US Open champion Gary Woodland to be among his troops primed for battle against the International Team, which will be led by South African captain Ernie Els.

"I couldn't be happier for Gary Woodland and his family. He's always had the game to win major championships, and I was glad to see him put it all together and perform under Sunday pressure," said Woods.

"Gary is trying to make a team representing the United States for the first time, so I'm interested to see how he continues to play before the top eight become official in August. Plus, who wouldn't want to see him hit those stingers at Royal Melbourne?"

The top eight players will automatically qualify for the US and International Teams following the BMW Championship, the second of three FedExCup Playoffs event, in mid-August.

Both Woods and Els will name their four captain's picks in early November after the PGA Tour's Asian swing, comprising the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges in South Korea, the Zozo Championship in Japan and the WGC-HSBC Champions in China.