EA sent out a press release this afternoon that was filled with over-excited statements about this year's installment of the PGA licensed Tiger Woods golf game. The specific cause of the commotion is that, for the first time in the franchise's history, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 will include the Ryder Cup as a playable tournament. For those of you who don't know, the Ryder Cup is an annual golf event that pits a team of American golfers against a team of Europe's finest duffers. The Cup moves annually, alternating between American and European courses. On the surface, the point of EA's release was to let us know that the Ryder Cup has been added, and that it's a great thing. However, there is another interesting note in the announcement, that being that for the first time since EA signed Tiger to the PGA license, he will have to share the game's cover.

Facing to the right in the above image is the pride of Northern Ireland, one Rory McIlroy. At the age of 20, McIlroy is expected by many sports analysts to be the next Tiger Woods in waiting, and of course, the young man is simpy giddy about the boost to his career that will come from appearing alongside the most famous athlete alive.

"This is a huge honor for me to be the on the cover with Tiger Woods as I grew up idolizing Tiger. The Ryder Cup has always been my favorite sporting event and the tournament is being played at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in 2010. Also, I’m hopeful to have an opportunity to represent the European team later in the year – it’s all very special."

Ostensibly there's any number of reasons EA chose to put two athletes on the cover of PGA Tour 11. It could be that the public's reaction to two NFLers on the cover of Madden NFL 10 was so good that EA decided to try to repeat the success. It could also just as well be that EA is trying to piggy-back on the European success of the FIFA license by giving the people of that continent one of their own to cheer for. However, what seems most likely is that this is an attempt by EA to begin the process of distancing itself from the recent sordid controversies surrounding Tiger and his private life. The company has said repeatedly that Tiger will continue to be the face of the games, but at some point there is going to be a PR hit taken from continuing to support him. Chances are EA is waiting to see how the public reacts to his return to the game before making a long-term decision, but is trying to get its ducks in a row first. I guess we'll see.

Additionally, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 is going to support Sony's motion control scheme, which is currently being referred to as the Arc. Interestingly, though, the press release makes absolutely no mention of support for Microsoft's own motion controller, Project Natal. Does EA hate Microsoft?