Abby Brammell

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


No plus one: US team captain Corey Pavin, pictured next to wife Lisa, led the US team off the plane. After disembarking, the team posed for photos with their wives and girlfriends but Tiger Woods, left, was left with a step to himself


If there's one thing Tiger Woods hasn't been short of in recent years, it's female company.

So he cut a lonely figure today when he landed in Cardiff for the Ryder Cup, and was unaccompanied by a partner.

Team USA filed down the aeroplane steps to pose for photos before being joined on the stairs by their wives and girlfriends for more pictures.

And it was at this point that Woods, who followed immediately after US captain Corey Pavin, was left to linger on a step by himself.


Solo: the newly divorced golfer managed to raise a smile as he arrived in Wales


However, one person was there to welcome the PGA champion to Wales - European captain Colin Montgomerie.

'I've always said that Tiger is the best player in the world, and in my opinion the best player that has ever played the game,' he said.

'I am delighted to see Tiger here. We welcome with open arms. It is the first time he will have played golf in Wales as a professional, and we just look forward to seeing him play.'

Montgomorie's European team are widely thought to be favourites in the competition.


Matching: the US golf team were all dressed in their official beige jackets, but without a wife or girlfriend next to him, Woods stood out


Support: Tiger's ex-wife Elin Nordegren was alongside him at the 2006 tournament


Woods' divorce from his wife of four years Elin Nordegren was finalised in August.
Nordegren is thought to have been paid $100million - £64million - as part of the settlement.

Both the US and European teams have issued a ban on their players using social networking sites during the tournament, which starts on Friday and lasts for three days.

'We talked about it,' said Pavin. 'The team has come to a consensus not to do it.

'It can be a little bit distracting sometimes, and I think it is important to focus on the Ryder Cup and playing in the matches. We've decided to not Tweet this week, but a week today I am sure Tweeting will be all over the place!'

Montgomerie added: 'We are in the same boat. I think it's important we focus on the job in hand this week.


Welcoming committee: from left, Lisa and Corey Pavin are greeted at Cardiff Airport by European captain Colin Montgomerie and his wife Gaynor


'We are here to try regain the trophy that Corey has brought back for us. We have to focus on that job, and as Corey rightly says, on Monday October 4, yes, you will find the team probably on social network sites, but not until then.'

Among the golfers selected for the US team are Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, and Dustin Johnson.

The Ryder Cup will be played at Celtic Manor Resort near Newport.


Couple: Jim Furyk was accompanied by his wife Tabitha to the tournament, which starts on Friday


source: dailymail