Ryder Cup: Former world No 1 Tiger Woods sidelined with back injury
Thursday 14 August 2014 23:39, UK
Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will not be available for next month's Ryder Cup.
Woods issued a statement announcing he has informed American captain Tom Watson that he has taken himself out of consideration for the contest at Gleneagles.
The 14-time major champion has been advised by his medical team to take another break from the game to give his ailing back further time to recover from the surgery he underwent in March.
Watson said on Monday that he would monitor Woods’ situation over the next three weeks as he retained hope that he would be able to select the former world No 1 as a captain’s pick.
But Woods has now conceded defeat in his battle to feature in the 40th edition of the Ryder Cup, and he is now unlikely to play again until he hosts the World Challenge at his home course of Isleworth in early December.
“I've been told by my doctors and trainer that my back muscles need to be rehabilitated and healed,” said Woods, who missed the cut by a distance at last week’s PGA Championship and appeared in frequent pain.
Cheering
“They've advised me not to play or practice now. I was fortunate that my recent back injury was not related to my surgery and was muscular only.
“I have already spoken to Tom [Watson] about the Ryder Cup, and while I greatly appreciate his thinking about me for a possible captain's pick, I took myself out of consideration.
“The US team and the Ryder Cup mean too much to me not to be able to give it my best. I'll be cheering for the U.S. team. I think we have an outstanding squad going into the matches.
“I plan to return to competition at my World Challenge tournament at Isleworth in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 1-7. It's an event that's important to me and my foundation, and it will be exciting to be playing again.”
Watson was naturally disappointed to receive the news, but he was grateful to Woods for informing him in good time.
"My primary wish is for Tiger to be healthy and competitive, and I hope that he'll return to the game very soon," Watson said in a statement.
"Of course, I'm disappointed that Tiger Woods has asked not to be considered for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, and that his health is not where he would like it to be.
"However, I think we can all agree that we need Tiger Woods in this great sport, and he has taken the high road by informing me early on in the selection process.
“My focus will remain on identifying three players to join the U.S. team and give us the best chance for success at Gleneagles."
Woods was sidelined for almost four months before returning ahead of schedule at the Quicken Loans National in June, where he failed to make the cut before watching Justin Rose claim the title after a play-off.
He managed to play the full 72 holes in the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, but he was never in serious contention over the weekend and finished on six over par – 23 shots behind champion Rory McIlroy.
Blow
Woods was forced to pull out of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational during the final round after suffering severe back spasms which left him barely able to walk unaided.
He insisted the problem was only temporary and declared himself fit to tee up at Valhalla, but he was clearly hampered by further back pain and missed the cut by five shots.
His withdrawal from the Ryder Cup is the latest blow for Watson
