2012 Ryder Cup: Tiger Woods headlines Team USA

The 2012 Ryder Cup begins Friday and the United States team is once again headlined by Tiger Woods.

Woods will be make his seventh Ryder Cup appearance when the United States begins play against the European team. As the No. 2 ranked player in the world, Woods will anchor the U.S. team captained by Davis Love III.

Woods, however, won't be the only veteran on the United States team as Phil Mickelson will make his ninth Ryder Cup appearance while Jim Furyk will make his eighth. Furyk made the team as one of four captain's choices. The United States team will likely benefit from the added experience as no other player has more than two previous Ryder Cup appearances.

Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley, Brandt Snedeker and Webb Simpson will each make their Ryder Cup debuts while Dustin Johnson, Katt Kuchar and Bubba Watson will be making their second appearances. Zach Johnson and Steve Stricker round out the team, each making his third appearance. All 12 U.S. team members are ranked in the top 25 of the world with everyone, expect for Furyk ranked in the top 17.

The group will face a difficult task when play begins Friday. The United States has won just one of the last five Ryder Cups, dating back to 2002.