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Tiger Woods will not be playing in this year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
The former world No.1 and 14-time major winner has informed US captain Tom Watson and the PGA of America that, due to his ongoing fitness problems, he does not wish to be considered for one of Watson’s three wild card picks for the match next month.
“While I greatly appreciate Tom thinking about me for a possible captain’s pick, I must take myself out of consideration,” said Woods in a statement. “I’ve been told by my doctors and trainer that my back muscles need to be rehabilitated and healed.
“They’ve advised me not to play or practice now. I’m extremely disappointed that I won’t be ready for the competition. 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 US team. I think we have an outstanding squad going into the matches.”
Woods, who has only ever played on one victorious Ryder Cup team, at Brookline in 1999, has played only four events since the end of March after undergoing back surgery.
Consequently, he finished well down the automatic qualifying spots for the match in 70th place.
Woods has appeared on seven US Ryder Cup teams between 1997 and 2012. He did not compete in 2008, due to injury.
Despite that, he was still thought to be one of the frontrunners to receive one of Watson’s three picks on account of his extraordinary talent and concerns over the fitness of other American players.
Matt Kuchar and Jason Dufner are currently struggling with injuries of their own, whilst Dustin Johnson, currently on a ‘leave of absence’ from professional golf, will also miss the match.
“My primary wish is for Tiger to be healthy and competitive, and I hope that he’ll return to the game very soon,” reasoned Watson, who will announce his three picks on September 2. “Of course, I’m disappointed that Tiger Woods has asked not to be considered for the US 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 US team and give us the best chance for success at Gleneagles.”
Woods has appeared on seven US Ryder Cup teams between 1997 and 2012. He did not compete in 2008, due to injury.
The 38-year-old has also confirmed that he will not play again until his World Challenge event in December, ruling out any possibility of seeing him compete in the Turkish Airlines Open in November.
Tiger Woods :: Out of the Ryder Cup – Your Thoughts
What do you make of the news that Tiger Woods will not play in this year’s Ryder Cup? Are you disappointed, pleased, relieved, something else? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.
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