Tiger Woods announced via TigerWoods.com yesterday that he will rest his ailing back and not take part in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September.
“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 was fortunate that my recent back injury was not related to my surgery and was muscular only.”
In the four events Woods has entered since his return from back surgery at the end of March, he missed the cut at the Quicken Loans, finished No. 69 at the Open Championship, withdrew from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and failed to make the cut at the PGA Championship.
He was in obvious discomfort after his misstep in the bunker on No. 2 during the final round at Firestone and could not swing effectively at the PGA Championship.
Woods’ leave of absence takes him out of Ryder Cup consideration and allows U.S. Ryder Cup team captain Tom Watson to focus on other players,
”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 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.”
U.S. Ryder Cup team captain, Tom Watson responded in a statement on RyderCup.com,
“My primary wish is for Tiger to be healthy and competitive, and I hope that he’ll return to the game very soon. 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 does have a timeline for his return to competitive golf. He is planning on being in the field for his World Challenge at Isleworth Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, December 1-7.
With Jason Dufner also announcing that he will not play until healthy and Matt Kuchar’s withdrawal from the PGA Championship, injuries are playing a huge role in the Ryder Cup team selection process.
Dustin Johnson is also on a leave of absence from the tour and will not play at Gleneagles.
The top candidates now for the final three spots on the U.S. Team appear to be Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker and Ryan Moore.
Who will play well enough over the next three weeks to force Captain Watson to add them to the team?