“Corey has used his four captain’s picks to good effect as I knew he would,” said Montgomerie, who nine days ago controversially left world number nine Paul Casey out of his own team.

“I am glad we now know the 12 men we will face at Celtic Manor. Like my European team, the American side has an excellent blend of youthful talent and I am delighted to see Tiger Woods amongst Corey’s selections – the Ryder Cup is a better event with him in it.

“I wish the American team safe travels and we all look forward to welcoming them to Wales.”

There are those who believe that Woods has been a hindrance rather than a help to the American cause since he made his debut in Spain in 1997.

In five appearances he has been on the winning side just once and, when he missed the last clash in Louisville following knee surgery, the Americans ended a run of three successive defeats by a five-point margin.

Woods has lost 13 of his 25 games, but has won all his singles since losing to Costantino Rocca at Valderrama – and last October scored five points out of five at the Presidents Cup.