Woods not a certainty for Ryder Cup

US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin said yesterday that Tiger Woods is "high on my list" of possible captain's picks, but still would not say for certain the world number one would be chosen.

Speaking a day after Woods finished tied for 28th at the PGA Championship, Pavin praised Woods but would not commit to adding him as one of four picks he has to complete a 12-man roster after eight players qualified on points Sunday.

Woods has not won since a sex scandal exploded around him last November, leading to a five-month golf layoff and the destruction of an iconic image that made him the first billion-dollar sportsman.

After firing the worst 72-hole score of his 14-year professional career and his first over-par four rounds at any event since 2003 the week before at a World Golf Championships event, Woods improved his form at the last 2010 major.

"He played better last week," Pavin said. "He's working on some things that seem to be improving his game. So I was obviously pleased to see that happen."

Woods said he wants to play on the US Ryder Cup team that will defend the trophy against Europe on October 1-3 in Wales.

"He wants to play and he wants to be on the team," Pavin said. "Again, he's high on my list. He's certainly a big consideration, no doubt."