Tiger’s Ryder hopes hit by injury

USA’s Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of the Ryder Cup due to injury. The 38-year-old had surgery on his back in March, and has been told by his doctors not to compete. Having failed to qualify automatically for Tom Watson’s selection, he was thought to be under consideration to fill one of the three vacant positions in the USA team, who are 7/4 to win the competition.

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

“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.”

Watson, who faces the task of captaining the USA to victory against a strong European side, who are odds-on at 8/13 to win, has spoken of his hopes that Woods recovers well.

“My primary wish is for Tiger to be healthy and competitive, and I hope that he’ll return to the game very soon,” Watson stated.

“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,” Watson continued.

“My focus will remain on identifying three players to join the U.S. team and give us the best chance for success at Gleneagles.”

Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kichar, Jordan Spieth, Jimmy Walker and Patrick Reed have all made the team automatically.