Riviera Country Club ….

Tiger Woods is determined to be in Paris later this year whether it be as a playing member, a vice-captain of the USA Ryder Cup team or both.

Woods is returning to competition in hosting this week’s Genesis Open on the famed Riviera course near Santa Monica and where he made his PGA Tour debut as a then 16-year old.

The now 41-year old has contested the event four times and is yet to win and, in fact, it is the only tournament he has contested four time or more in Woods’ 79 PGA Tour winning career he has not won.

The closest Woods came to winning at ‘Hollywood’s Home Course’ was runner-up in 1999.

Tiger Woods declares he would like to be in Paris either as a player, a USA vice-captain or both. (Photo – @tourmiss)

And while Woods still is to confirm where he will again compete after this week, one thing is very clear in his mind and that is he where will be the last week of September

Woods was asked if he had a ‘good year but not a great one’ and he were not to qualify automatically for the USA Team would he go to Paris as a ‘wildcard’ selection or one of Furyk’s vice-captains.

“Why can’t I have both,” said Woods breaking out in a big smile.  “I would like to do both but then it’s up to our captain to make that decision”.

It then prompted Woods to be asked had he spoken to Furyk.

“Actually, I have talked to Jim about it,” Woods confirmed.

And did Furyk agree to the request?

“He didn’t say anything,” Woods said again smiling broadly.

Furyk has yet to name any of his vice-captains but with Woods almost certain to be picked should he not qualify given his strong ‘motivational’ vice-captaincy role in 2016 at Hazeltine.

Woods will play the opening two rounds alongside Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, and revealing Thomas ‘hitched’ a ride with the 14-time Major winner on ‘Tiger Airways’ to get to LA.