News

Tiger Woods removes himself from Ryder Cup consideration

Published

12 years ago

Aug 14, 2014

Our long national nightmare is over: The Tiger Woods Ryder Cup decision has been made.

The 38-year-old announced Wednesday that he was withdrawing himself from consideration for a spot in the Ryder Cup, ending months of speculation as to whether U.S. Captain Tom Watson would grant Woods a captain’s pick.

In a statement released on his website, Woods cited necessary rest for his lingering back issue as the reason for his absence in the biennial competition.

“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 plan to return to competition at my World Challenge tournament at Isleworth in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 1-7.”

This is the latest blow for Woods in a season where the former World No. 1’s on-course life has been crippled by his ailing back. Just a year ago, Woods won five PGA Tour events, entered the FedExCup Playoffs as the points leader and eventually captured PGA Tour Player of the Year honors.

Early in 2014, though, Woods’ back started flaring up, forcing him to withdraw from the Honda Classic during the final round and gut it out on Sunday at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in clear discomfort.

In March, Woods had surgery on his back, missed three months and looked every bit the rusty golfer since his return in July. The four events in that span, which amounted to two missed cuts, one withdrawal and a 69th place finish, only furthered his dismal 2014 record. In the end, Woods had one top-25 in seven starts and was 218th in the FedEx Cup standings.

What this means for the U.S. squad

The most relieved man on the planet has to be Tom Watson. It’s not necessarily the content of Woods’ words, rather the fact that the monumentally polarizing decision is in the captain’s hands no more.

Whatever calm facade Watson put on when the discussion of Woods and the Ryder Cup arose, his anxiety screamed through his words. In April he had all but guaranteed a spot to Woods. Then he said Woods would have to earn his way on. Last week, he basically left it up to Tiger to decide his fate.

Make up your mind, Tom!

At the very least, the American squad probably dodged a bullet. Woods showed no signs this Summer that he could contribute to a win for his country – he could hardly make a cut. Although the Americans remain massive underdogs, what if his American brethren do somehow dodge the European sword and return to the states as victors? Eyes will most certainly turn back towards Woods. In 21st century play, the American side would be 0-5 with Woods, 2-0 without him.

And that fact wouldn’t kick up a firestorm or anything.

Everyone knows about Woods’ poor Ryder Cup record (13-17-3 overall). His negative energy might eminate into his teammates’ conciousnesses. And he consistently carries the reputation of a man who just doesn’t give a lick about team play (a ridiculous thought by the way. You could certainly question Woods’ desire for this type of competition early in his career, but that apathy evaporated long ago. Here’s some proof. And more damning evidence. Oh, and this. Yep, definitely not caring).

He’s an easy target to pick on when it comes to America’s foibles in recent Ryder Cups. Woods was the game’s best player for 15-plus years, but couldn’t reach .500 in team competition. He also happened to be absent for the U.S.’s one 21st century triumph. That detail proved potent rather quickly, as writers and fans latched onto the concept that the team is better off without Woods.

Imagine if a Tiger-less squad achieves victory once again? Especially with the Americans facing their most daunting odds since 2006?

If you’re a future captain and Woods is a potential captain’s pick, good luck with that decision over a massive and boisterous chorus of dissent. We could hear some imploring that Woods should retire from Ryder Cup competition. Heck, even if the 38-year-old is No. 1 in the Ryder Cup standings, the U.S. only wins without him, maybe he should withdraw his name!

Of course, an American victory is a tremendous “if.” The team can’t even win with better talent, or a commanding 10-6 lead at home.

Woods’ absence in 2014 should be a boon for the squad. Just be prepared for a Tiger backlash if the winning formula once again ignores his existence.

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Kevin Casey

Kevin's fascination with the game goes back as long as he can remember. He has written about the sport on the junior, college and professional levels and hopes to cover its proceedings in some capacity for as long as possible. His main area of expertise is the PGA Tour, which is his primary focus for GolfWRX. Kevin is currently a student at Northwestern University, but he will be out into the workforce soon enough. You can find his golf tidbits and other sports-related babble on Twitter @KevinCasey19. GolfWRX Writer of the Month: September 2014

24 Comments

Skin Flute

Aug 19, 2014 at 6:50 pm

Anybody wanna play me!
That’s right, who wants to play “The Skin Flute”

Reply Report comment
Booger

Aug 15, 2014 at 1:16 am

Like he had a chance of getting picked. There’s only 60 guys with more points that would love to get picked. Thanks for the announcement. What a jerk!

Reply Report comment
John

Aug 15, 2014 at 12:22 am

Ryan Moore should definitely be picked. He has been very consistent this year. Tom Watson would have been wise for himself to play rather than Tiger.

Reply Report comment
John

Aug 15, 2014 at 12:20 am

Anybody who thinks the USA has a chance is fooling themselves. Half our team is injured, and the Europeans have been dominating the marquee events. No way we can compete, especially on their soil. Ill be rooting for the USA, but im also going to be smart and invest on the Europe odds of 2/3

Reply Report comment
Pingback: Tiger Woods removes himself from Ryder Cup consideration | Spacetimeandi.com
dot dot

Aug 14, 2014 at 7:54 pm

So he withdrew himself from consideration for a team that he wasn’t going to be selected for anyway. Hey Tom, I’m withdrawing myself from consideration as well. See how that works, neither mine or Tigers withdrawal effects anything.

Reply Report comment
Rich

Aug 14, 2014 at 6:20 pm

Darn it. I wanted to see him crash and burn at Gleneagles so bad. GO EUROPE!

Reply Report comment
- Christosterone
  
  Aug 14, 2014 at 7:35 pm
  
  This is going to be a great Ryder Cup.
  Europe will have its stalwarts such as Garcia, Rose and Stenson but they will also be missing a few of their past heroes such as Westwood, Donald & McDowell/Poulter(either or both may still get in on points) unless they get a captains pick.
  I know it will be exciting to see so many new faces on both sides.
  U-S-A…….U-S-A……U-S-A
  
  Reply Report comment
- Big Dick
  
  Aug 15, 2014 at 1:41 pm
  
  LOL I like this!!!!
  
  Reply Report comment
Christosterone

Aug 14, 2014 at 2:23 pm

And since Im on the Lee Trevino subject, this is a must watch for anyone that loves golf history…
Maybe my favorite story of all time.
http://youtu.be/9sojAI7s160

Reply Report comment
- Ballstriker
  
  Aug 14, 2014 at 3:38 pm
  
  Hey Christosterone!! What a great link to an awesome story. I had to play it back a couple of times to hear every word. Made me laugh, great stuff! Brotha’ Trevino is as tough as they come!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Christosterone
    
    Aug 14, 2014 at 3:44 pm
    
    I LOVE Trevino…we here in Texas worship him…
    If you liked that story, check this out…
    Jacklin said he had never played a match with anyone who was like this. Tony and Nicklaus said his iron play was matched only bynHogan and his toughness(re match play) was matched by nobody…
    My favorite tourney:
    http://youtu.be/urdUwammrEM
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Ballstriker
      
      Aug 14, 2014 at 9:01 pm
      
      Wow, another gem of a story. To think of how Lee would have destroyed Agoosta, as Seve would say, if he had had the opportunity to complete his resume as a major championship winner. Would have been great to see a green jacket on the Merry Mex! Let’s just say Mr. Trevino was not made to feel welcome on the property. Nuff said.
      
      Reply Report comment
- MHendon
  
  Aug 14, 2014 at 5:25 pm
  
  Yeah not sure what this has to do with the Tiger article but you gotta love Lee.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Christosterone
    
    Aug 14, 2014 at 6:14 pm
    
    Nothing really. I was looking at Ryder cup records(see below link) and was surprised at how high lee was in so many of the categories.
    Phil is way up there too in a bunch of stats as well…
    
    Reply Report comment
- RG
  
  Aug 14, 2014 at 8:19 pm
  
  It IS the best story of all time. Jack may be the best of all time, but if I had to pick a guy to go beat him, I’m taking Trevino.
  
  Reply Report comment
Christosterone

Aug 14, 2014 at 2:16 pm

I wish at some point Lee Trevino would get a write up on this site.
He was a god in match play…
Bested just about everyone in totality of Ryder Cup records…Billy casper notwithstanding.
http://www.rydercup.com/usa/history/2014-ryder-cup-team-records

Reply Report comment
Jeff

Aug 14, 2014 at 1:33 pm

Anyone who laments Tiger’s poor Ryder cup record doesn’t actually watch the Ryder cup. Last Ryder cup he made six birdies on the back nine, almost halved his last match until Stricks missed an 8 footer. Watson would and should have had him on the team, the reason, just what he said, “He’s Tiger Woods.” The only American to have won 5 times since the last Ryder Cup.

Reply Report comment
- Kevin Casey
  
  Aug 14, 2014 at 1:52 pm
  
  I think it would have been tough to justify putting Tiger on this team. Certainly 2013 Woods is a no brainer (and obviously would have qualified if the Cup were held that year), but he’s been brutal in 2014. Doesn’t matter that he’s Tiger Woods, if he’s unhealthy or playing poorly (or both, as he was recently) then the only way to justify picking him is if there’s a legitimate chance he turns it around between now and Ryder Cup time. With Tiger though, you didn’t see any sign that his game would improve rapidly between now and the Cup. His injuries were just hampering him too much. The U.S. is better off without this Tiger, but not without a healthy and on form one.
  
  I am glad that you pointed out the myth of Tiger’s poor 2012 Ryder Cup. Yes, he was 0-3-1 and I know he apologized for his performance, but record in a small sample size can really be misleading. As you mentioned, he made six birdies on the back nine of his Saturday match, and he had an equally impressive back nine and round Friday against Colsaerts. Actually Tiger probably played the second best golf of the 16 out there Friday afternoon, he just happened to be against the guy who played the best. So I can’t really fault him for that loss, he and Stricker would have beaten every other European team that afternoon.
  
  Honestly besides his opening match that week, he played well. He had more birdies (13) in his last three matches than Dustin Johnson had (11), and DJ went 3-0 while Tiger went 0-2-1. Sometimes you just get unlucky in who you play, and Tiger probably got a higher level of performance from his opponents than anyone else on the team. Doesn’t explain his career Ryder Cup record, but shows that Tiger’s 2012 appearance was a lot better than 0-3-1 indicates.
  
  Reply Report comment
Christosterone

Aug 14, 2014 at 1:22 pm

Its a class move, plain and simple.
Im sure chamblee will find something wrong with it.

Reply Report comment
- MHendon
  
  Aug 14, 2014 at 5:19 pm
  
  You took the words right out of my mouth.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Gautama
  
  Aug 15, 2014 at 11:28 am
  
  Will Brandel at least admit he’s not healthy now?
  
  Reply Report comment
adhd

Aug 14, 2014 at 12:51 pm

It’s the only smart thing to do given his recent performance.

Reply Report comment
M-smizzle

Aug 14, 2014 at 12:26 pm

He can’t play that week
Big Vegas trip already scheduled

Reply Report comment

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Gianni Magliocco

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