Tough decisions for Tiger

Two weeks after a sensational fifth Masters triumph for his 81st PGA Tour victory, Tiger Woods is focused on becoming a playing captain at the Presidents Cup at Australia's Royal Melbourne Golf Club from Dec 9-15.

But he'll have to make some tough calls along the way.

The 43-year-old ended an 11-year major drought with his victory at Augusta National, which vaulted him into ninth position on the Team USA points list for the biennial contest against the International Team led by Ernie Els.

The top-eight players automatically earn the right to face the International Team, with Woods having four captain's picks.

"While I've already got an important role as team captain, I have made it very clear that I also want to be a playing captain. Qualifying automatically as one of the top-eight players would prevent me from being put in a tricky spot when my captain's assistants and I sit down to decide on our four picks," Woods said in his captain's blog at presidentscup.com

He reflected on his emotional Masters victory, saying the achievement in front of his two children was particularly fulfilling after he went through four back surgeries, the most recent in April 2017.

"Personally, I could not be happier after adding a fifth green jacket. It was a pretty amazing final round with a lot of great players in contention and I'm fortunate that I finished on top.

"Since playing in the Masters for the first time in 1995 and then winning it two years later, Augusta National has meant so much to me and my family. To be able to win there again, especially with my kids, Sam and Charlie, my mom and close friends there to share it with me is something I'll always remember.

"Earning my 15th major after and my 81st PGA Tour win capped a long, hard road that included a tremendous amount of uncertainty. As you know, I've dealt with health challenges due to my back and there were times when I wasn't sure if I could lead a normal life, let alone play competitive golf.

"I feel truly fortunate that I have won the Masters again and I guess everyone saw what it meant to me."

As captain, Woods believes he has selected an ideal set of assistants to ensure Team USA's continued success in the Presidents Cup. He has picked Fred Couples, Steve Stricker and Zach Johnson and expects a 12-man squad stacked with talent from top to bottom.

"With Freddie and Stricks on board just in case I make the team and have to play, it's going to make things a lot easier for me," said Woods, who was a captain's assistant two years ago while recuperating from his surgery.

"These guys have led our teams to victories before, with Freddie winning at Royal Melbourne in 2011. Zach is going to be a fantastic captain someday. He has a competitive fire that matches anyone that I've been around. I'm going to rely on these guys for a lot of support and insight. Our team is certainly in great hands.

"Looking at the final leaderboard at the Masters, it was great to see a strong US presence with Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele sharing second place and Tony Finau, whom I played with in the final round, and Webb Simpson tying for fifth.

"Along with Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau, Rickie Fowler and Phil (Mickelson), who are all in the current top 10 of our standings, these guys can be important for this team. With a mix of veteran experience and young talent, I see this team as being one of the strongest ever from top to bottom.

"It's going to be fun when we get to Royal Melbourne in December."