Golf-Couples eyes Jordan, Williams, Tiger for President's duties

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Captain Fred Couples has lined up Michael Jordan to help out on his U.S. Presidents Cup team, has invited comedian Robin Williams to pitch in, but he is most eager to get Tiger Woods on board.

Woods, forced out for the season after having knee surgery following his playoff victory in June at the U.S. Open, plans to return to competition in 2009 and the match play competition is scheduled for Oct. 8-11 in San Francisco.

"If he's ready to play at whatever time of year, he'll be ready to play in the Presidents Cup," Couples told a news conference on Wednesday.

"He's not one to show up just to get out of the house. He'll be ready. He'll lead our team. He's a great leader."

Couples scoffed at the notion the triumphant U.S. Ryder Cup team, which beat Europe last month for the first time since 1999, was somehow better off without Woods.

"When he's on your team, he's a leader. He has fun with the next guy in line, or the 12th guy in line. He's looking to hang with the boys," Couples said.

"He is a team player, and he's fun to be around and he's the best player in the world and I can't wait to have him on our team."

International captain Greg Norman said he thought Woods's absence at the end of the year provided young players with a better chance to shine.

"It was good for the game of golf," said Norman.