Tiger Woods has pulled out of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles to rest his injured back.
The 14-time major winner withdrew from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational two weeks ago then visibly struggled to a missed cut at the PGA Championship the following week.
USA Captain Tom Watson had not ruled out picking Woods but now the former World No.1 has taken the decision out of his hands stating he needs time to rest and recover.
“I’ve been told by my doctors and trainer that my back muscles need to be rehabilitated and healed,” he said.
The U.S. team and the Ryder Cup mean too much to me not to be able to give it my best
“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 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 plans a return to action at his World Challenge tournament in Orlando at the beginning of December
“It’s an event that’s important to me and my foundation, and it will be exciting to be playing again,” he said.
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