He's stepping up as leader. So when's the next step?

	If you peer into Tiger's future, can you see him as Ryder Cup captain? AP
	POLL When will Tiger Woods serve as U.S. captain in the Ryder Cup? 2008 Sometimes in his 30s Not until his 40s or beyond Never  View Results

The transformation is taking place right before our very eyes. Tiger Woods, the man of solitary purpose and aloofness of style, is now being hailed as Tiger Woods, U.S. team leader and back-slapping good buddy going into this week's Ryder Cup.

Much has been made of Tiger's decision to join his teammates for a reconnaissance and camaraderie-building mission in late August to the K Club. The move was a definite left turn from his I'll-do-it-my-way approach. He hung out with his teammates, tending flagsticks during practice rounds and sharing yardage information.

We're also supposed to be impressed by Tiger's mode of transportation, with reports breathlessly pointing out how he flew on a commercial jet for the first time since 1998. Next we'll be hearing how Tiger bought shoes off the rack, stood in line for a Starbucks venti frappuccino and accessed the nearest ATM for some quick cash.

This is not to belittle this change of pace, though, because when it comes to the world's best golfer, it obviously behooves the U.S. to have him influence his teammates in a positive, cheery manner. Certainly, all signs indicate that Tiger is opening -- ever so slightly -- that uncrackable shell around him, that he's looking beyond his own self-worth, understanding that a little bit of Tiger can go a long way. And if it pays off this weekend in a U.S. win on foreign soil, expect the transformation of Tiger to be a key talking point in post-Ryder analysis.

But if we really want to take Tiger's leadership role to the next level, then what about this idea: Tiger as Ryder Cup playing captain.

OK, it's not going to happen anytime soon, as in 2008 in Valhalla. At least I don't think so, despite the fact that Tiger certainly knows how to produce magic at the Louisville course, site of his 2000 PGA Championship.

Considering all the gnashing of teeth heard when the possibility existed for U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman to qualify as a player this year, the opinion-makers seem intent to separate the captain from his club. But then, Tiger's in a different league, and if the U.S. gets embarrassed in Ireland this week, perhaps it will necessitate such a radical move.