Tiger Woods might not have the greatest of records in the Ryder Cup, but despite that, not having the world's most popular golfer in your side would be a major blow for the US. And that blow was confirmed by the man himself, with Woods admitting those back problems which have plagued him over the past few months have forced him to withdraw his name from consideration for the everybody-loves-it Ryder Cup, which will be held this year at Gleneagles next month.
Woods missed two majors in 2014 because of the back problem, and then, on his comeback from surgery, failed to make the cut in the US PGA Championships at Valhalla.
However, the American great was still hopeful of being selected in the US Ryder Cup team as they look to get the better of a strong Europe side, but Woods has been forced to throw in that proverbial towel.
"While I greatly appreciate [captain] 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 was fortunate that my recent back injury was not related to my surgery and was muscular only.
"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. I'll be cheering for the US Team. I think we have an outstanding squad going into the matches."
Woods also revealed he would take time off from golf until the end of the year to ensure he is back fighting fit. "I plan to return to competition at my World Challenge tournament at Isleworth in Orlando, Florida on 1-7 December," Woods added in a statement on his official website. "It's an event that's important to me and my foundation, and it will be exciting to be playing again."
While Woods has not been at his best over the last few seasons, the US team will still miss the veteran's presence in the squad. Woods has made seven previous appearances in the Ryder Cup, with his debut coming way back in 1997.
"My primary wish is for Tiger to be healthy and competitive, and I hope that he'll return to the game very soon," Watson said. "Of course, I'm disappointed that Tiger Woods has asked not to be considered for the US 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 US team and give us the best chance for success at Gleneagles."
It will be interesting to see just who Watson picks as his three wild cards, with nine players in Phil Mickelson, Zach Johnson, Bubba Watson, Jimmy Walker, Matt Kuchar, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Jim Furyk and Jordan Spieth already qualifying automatically to the US team.
