Tiger Woods Withdraws From Ryder Cup Consideration

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On the heels of some of the worst play of his entire career, Tiger Woods recently contacted U.S. Ryder Cup team captain Tom Watson with an update about his health. On a statement released via his website, Woods said:

“I have already spoken to Tom 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 to not be able to give it my best.”

Coming off some truly abysmal performances this summer, it’s hard to imagine Woods was even under consideration in the first place. The statement, and Watson’s subsequent response, has the feel of allowing someone to gracefully resign rather than being fired.

Woods has been plagued by back pain for months. He underwent surgery on March 31, returning weeks ahead of schedule to compete at the Quicken Loans National in June.

Ever since, nagging pain has been a constant reality for Woods, whose best finish this year was a 25th place tie. Although he has said that his current issues are unrelated to the original impinged nerve that triggered the surgery.

In a statement issued by the PGA, Watson said, “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 [he] has asked not to be considered … 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.”

Woods is out of commission at least until dearly December, when he expects to return for his World Challenge in Orlando.