SNOQUALMIE, Washington - US Presidents Cup co-captain Fred Couples says he has assured Tiger Woods he's on the 12-member American squad for the match-play showdown.

Couples, co-captain along with Jay Haas, squelched debate over whether the recently struggling Woods was or should be on the team.

"I've told him that he's going to be on the team," Couples said Thursday prior to a practice round before the Champions Tour Boeing Classic at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge.

"There is no reason for me to wait till September 26 to pick Tiger. He's the best player in the world forever."

Ten players automatically qualify for the team based on points accumulated over the past two years.

Two captains' selections complete the team that will compete against a team of International players at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia November 14-20.

The Internationals include players from outside Europe, taking on the United States in a Ryder Cup-style event.

Woods, who is 28th on the Presidents Cup points list, had a long summer layoff because of left knee and Achilles injuries.

In two recent starts he finished 37th in the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational and missed the cut at the PGA Championship.

Woods wrote on his website earlier this week that he had spoken with Couples about the Presidents Cup and said "of course, I want to be on the team".

"Is he playing well right now? No. (But) he almost won (The Masters) four months ago so you don't do that by playing poor golf," Couples said. "In my opinion, when you're the best player in the world for 12 straight years and you're not on a team, there's something wrong.

"Everyone else can have their opinion, but as far as I know Jay Haas and myself are the captains and we want him on this team."

After Couples realized Woods hadn't qualified for the US PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs that started Thursday with The Barclays, he suggested Woods should add a tournament or two to his schedule.

Woods' next scheduled appearance is the Australian Open, the week before the Presidents Cup.

"He has responded to that. I'm pretty sure you'll see him one more time," Couples said. "That's enough for me. I know the last thing he wants to do is embarrass himself. I think he'll be ready to play."

Agence France-Presse