The US captain will complete his line-up next week, and is widely expected to name the big-hitting Tony Finau final pick – unless another contender shoots the lights out at this week’s BMW Championship in Pennsylvania.
Woods, 42, will be making his first Ryder Cup appearance since 2012. His selection continues an amazing resurgence following a fourth back operation in quick succession.
He was close to winning a 15th Major title at both the Open and the USPGA Championship, and after starting the year 668th in the world rankings he is back up to 26th – and climbing.
Woods had already been named as one of Furyk’s vice-captains – a role he filled two years ago when his career looked to be in jeopardy.
He will now concentrate on his playing duties. Furyk called up David Duval, Zach Johnson, and Matt Kuchar to serve as his assistants, alongside Steve Stricker and Davis Love, who captained the USA to a thumping 17-11 victory two years ago.
Woods admitted he wondered whether he would ever play again in 2016, let alone return as a Ryder Cup player.
He said: “I was honoured to be involved as a vice-captain back then, whether it was offering advice, helping the guys change spikes, or just bringing them sandwiches and water. But I definitely prefer this role.
“It is beyond special to be back as a player. When I started playing well again it became a big goal to make this team.
“I really wanted to pay on it. And as the year progressed, and I got a bit of traction, it became even more of an ambition. And when I finished runner-up in the last Major a month or so back, I guess it all fell into place.
“I haven’t been a part of the playing squad for six years, and it feels incredible to have accomplished something like this.
“This could prove to be one of my most special weeks in golf. I’m so excited to be a part of this team as we head to Europe looking for a first win in 25 years on their soil. We’re going to give it everything to keep a hold of this cup.”
Furyk said 24 year old rookie DeChambeau – who has won the first two FedEx Cup play-offs after finishing ninth on the USA qualifying list – had been playing “incredible golf”.
He also paid tribute to Mickelson, 48, who finished tenth in qualifying, saying he deserved a pick after playing his way onto every one of the last 11 Ryder Cup teams.
But he reserved special praise for Woods, saying: “He has been a massive asset as a vice captain – and I’m sure he will prove an even more valuable asset as a player.”
Furyk added: “We’re all excited to have Tiger back. It’s been great to have one of the best minds in the history of the game helping us out, and we’ve all become fans as he’s started playing so well again.
“He has played some great golf with his back to the wall recently, and it’s a real feather in our caps to have him on the team again.”
As a sign of the huge disparity in age in the squad, the last time a Ryder Cup started without Mickelson as a player, DeChambeau was just eight days old.
Europe captain Thomas Bjorn names his four wildcard picks at 2pm tomorrow – and Sergio Garcia is set to get a call-up despite his dismal form.
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