Tiger Woods removes himself from Ryder Cup consideration

Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship.

Tiger Woods has removed himself from Ryder Cup consideration citing issues with his back and its recovery as the reason for his exclusion from a captains selection.

Woods is currently short of both health and form at the moment which would've made the world number eleven a very controversial selection by US captain Tom Watson.

The injury plagued 38-year-old released a statement that allowed him to put forward the reasons for him removing himself for consideration when it comes to the Ryder Cup.

The Statement

Woods explained: "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."

"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 be able to give my best. I'll be cheering for the U.S. team. I think we have an outstanding squad going into the matches."

Woods & The Ryder Cup

Watson may have considered using one of his valuable captain picks on the out-of-form Woods but would it have been wise?

Tiger currently sits at 70th on the U.S. Ryder Cup rankings list, if he had not of excluded himself, it would've been hard to argue that he deserved his place on merit at the present time.

A very difficult decision was taken out of Watson's hands luckily, Tiger certainly doesn't have an impressive record at the Ryder Cup either.

The not so dominant figure has posted a 13-17-3 record in the competition.

Woods has acknowledged his remorse at having to pull out of a tournament he holds deer to his height, he would not disgrace the name of the competition by performing at anything other than his absolute maximum, whatever that may be.

Moving forward

Now Tiger has taken himself out of consideration, focus will retain to his rehabilitation and the team surrounding the golfer will ensure he returns to the course at 100% fitness.

Whilst Watson will have to scour the rest of the field of US nationals to find a worthy captains pick to face the European team.