The 38-year-old failed to qualify for the team outright and has now informed the PGA of America and Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson that he does not wish to be considered as one on Watson's three captain's picks.

Woods has played only four tournaments since undergoing back surgery in March.

Last week's USPGA Championship was the final tournament to count towards qualification for the US Ryder Cup side, but Woods missed the cut at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky for only the fourth time in a major.

At last month's British Open, the 14-time major winner finished at level-par, his lowest finish in the tournament as a professional.

Prior to last week's USPGA Championship, which was won by Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, Woods pulled out halfway through his final round at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron after complaining of back problems.

Woods endured one of his worst performances at a major, missing the cut at Valhalla as he struggled with his back injury ©Getty Images



"While I greatly appreciate Tom [Watson] thinking about me for a possible captain's pick, I must take myself out of consideration," said Woods.

"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 has played in seven Ryder Cups since making his first appearance at the 1997 edition at Valderrama Golf Club in Andalusia, Spain.

He was part of the US team that won the event in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1999, while he missed out on the US victory at Valhalla in 2008 due to a knee injury.

His overall record in the Ryder Cup is 13 wins, 17 losses and three halves.

Tom Watson will have to plan for a US win at Gleneagles without Tiger Woods ©Getty Images



Due to his lack of playing time and form, it was not guaranteed that Woods would have been selected by US captain Watson for this year's match, due to take place at Gleneagles in Scotland from September 26 to 28.

But Watson revealed his disappointment at the news that Woods is out of contention.

"My primary wish is for Tiger to be healthy and competitive, and I hope that he'll return to the game very soon," said Watson, who previously captained the US to victory at the 1993 Ryder Cup at The Belfry in Warwickshire.

"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."

Watson has until September 3 to announce his three captain's picks.

Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Jimmy Walker, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Zach Johnson and Phil Mickelson are the nine automatic qualifiers for the team.

Europe are captained by Irishman Paul McGinley, who will be looking to lead the side to a third consecutive win in the Ryder Cup following victories at Celtic Manor, Wales in 2010 and Medinah, Illinois in 2012.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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