The Loop

Tiger Woods takes himself out of Ryder Cup consideration

August 13, 2014

An ailing Tiger Woods has spared U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson the difficult choice of whether to select him, by announcing Wednesday that he is withdrawing from consideration, the PGA of America announced.

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"While I greatly appreciate Tom thinking about me for a possible captain's pick, I must take myself out of consideration," Woods said in a news release. "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 U.S. 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."

Woods has played on seven U.S. Ryder Cup teams since turning professional in 1996. The only year he missed previously was 2008, because of injury.[

](http://www.tigerwoods.com/news/2014/08/13/89419822/tiger-to-take-time-off-to-rest-back/)In a statement on his website, Woods said he won't play until his own tournament, the World Challenge at Isleworth in Orlando, Dec. 1-7

"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 the same news release. "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 last week missed the cut in the PGA Championship.