In the process of winning the American Express Championship last weekend, Woods ignited controversy by saying he would rather win that event than the Ryder Cup, which begins Friday at The Belfry. Woods also said he could think of "a million reasons" why a win last weekend was more important, referring to the $1 million first-place check he received for winning the World Golf Championships event.

Those comments became scathing headline material in many publications, accusing Woods of being greedy and selfish. Hardly the quietest way for the world's No. 1 player to head into the Ryder Cup, the biennial match play competition between the United States and Europe. But Woods has remained unfazed, and his game has looked exemplary. On Sunday, he finished at 25 under par to win the American Express, and after today's practice round at The Belfry, he laughed at the controversy his comments had caused, secure that his career record answered any questions about his desire to compete, regardless of the money involved.

"I'm certainly not the rah-rah type of guy that's going to give great speeches before I play," said Woods, of his approach to the Ryder Cup. "That's not my personality. I'm going to be the guy that's going to compete. Everyone on the team knows I'm going to give it 100 percent. I've done that each and every tournament I've ever played. That's what I bring to the table."