Golf: Tiger Woods hopeful on Ryder Cup spot

Woods started off at Hoylake with a three-under round on Thursday, but his form quickly dipped during his first major since undergoing back surgery in March.

A final round of 75 saw him slip to 69th in the standings, and Woods is all but certain to require a wildcard pick from US captain Watson to make his team for Gleneagles next month.

But even though he sits way outside the nine automatic selection places - and with Watson having hinted at worries over Woods' form - the 14-time major winner has looked to downplay fears of being snubbed.

Asked if Watson should pick him Woods said: "I would say 'yes'. But that's my position, my take on it.

"He's the captain. Obviously it's his decision. He's going to field the best 12 players that he thinks will win the Cup back. And I hope I'm on that team."

Prior to The Open, Woods' only competitive action after his operation was at last month's Quicken Loans National - where he missed the cut.

And despite the fact his challenge for a 15th major ended with a whimper, the 38-year-old is confident he is approaching full fitness and top form.

"The fact I was able to play a few weeks ahead of time, and I'm only getting stronger and faster, that's great," Woods continued.

"I just had to get more game time. I think we did the smart thing by not playing too much leading into this event.

"I've got more game time under my belt. Obviously there's a lot of things I need to work on but I haven't been able to work on [them] a lot.

"I was down for three months so I'm just now starting to come back."