By Alistair Magowan

Most of the American Ryder Cup team probably spent Monday under the covers of a deluxe duvet as they digested their latest defeat.

But not Tiger Woods, who was one of the few who came out of the K Club with some credit after leading the American team's points scorers.

Tiger Woods and friends in Leicester Square

His way of recovering from another crushing European victory was to park up in the middle of a wet Leicester Square in central London to launch his new computer game in front of hundreds of fans.

A chance for tourists and lunching locals alike to get up close and see how grumpy a sportsman is the day after defeat. Or so they thought.

For someone normally so aloof on the golf course, you could not accuse him of shying away from the limelight.

And although he was not grilled too heavily on how the Americans flunked once more, he was an example of gentlemanly grace as he offered his tips to all-comers.

Woods said that missed putts had cost the American team the Ryder Cup and he spent most of the afternoon reinforcing the comment.

He putted like an amateur. If it was intended to put others at ease, it was a masterstroke.

Somehow, though, it looked like he was just suffering from one of those Mondays where things don't go quite right.

But, all with a beaming smile, it was a rare day when it did not matter.

He chatted amiably to the TV celebrities and competition winners who got to putt against him.

He responded thoroughly to the few questions he was allowed to answer, paying tribute to his good friend Darren Clarke.

And he even looked slightly disgruntled as his PR people dragged him away from talking further.

Maybe the Ryder Cup loss wasn't hurting him that much?

Radio One DJ Vernon Kay, who was hosting the event, said: "He was one of us today because he missed a few.

"I didn't know what frame of mind he would be in because of the Ryder Cup but he seemed like he had a very good night out last night!

Woods struggles with his putting on the makeshift course

"He was on fine form, very open and honest. He seemed like a genuine bloke but it's so obvious that he is so focused on being the world's number one golfer and staying there."

Ah yes, he might look normal today but let's not forget who he is.

Tiger actually wishes more people would approach him but it's hard when the queue is so long and his presence reduces former sports stars to excited schoolboys.

TV personality Ian Wright, who played a few holes with Woods, was predictably happy to fill that role.

He said: "He's someone I look up to as a sportsman and as an individual and to spend time with him is one of the proper moments in my life.

"He gave some putting tips but it was hard to take in because it was coming from Tiger. It was awesome stuff. Brilliant.

"He's the best sportsman on the planet by far. The only person that could come close to him is Lance Armstrong but he's retired now."

Despite the set-up surrounding him, Woods painted a perfectly normal character, saying how he liked to hang out with the boys and lead what must be a pretty normal life away from the course.

But when he starts to talk of being a "better golfer, a better person, each day", you are reminded what makes him different.

Still smiling, he tried again and again as his putts slipped by the hole with the floor manager urging him to move to the next scene.

He might not have the Ryder Cup record he would like but on a typically grey Monday just sinking a couple of putts would do.

For the watching crowd it was satisfying that even the greatest sportsman in the world can be brought back down to earth.

A hangover, Ryder Cup or otherwise, is still a hangover no matter who you are.