Tiger Woods Pulls Out of Ryder Cup

Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of Ryder Cup consideration after announcing he is to take a break from golf to recover from a back injury.

Woods injured his back at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational earlier this month but battled and was seen limping from the course.

The 14-time Major winner battled to make the US PGA at Valhalla last week but failed to make the cut after shooting a disappointing couple of 3-over-par 74s.

US Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson was expected to name Woods as one of his wildcard picks for the Gleneagles tournament but doctors have ordered the 38-year-old to rest and not play until at least this December.

"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," Woods said in a statement.

"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 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 has competed in seven Ryder Cups between 1997 and 2012 but missed the 2008 tournament after having reconstructive knee surgery.

Nine players have already automatically qualified for the 12-man US team on a points-winning process that ended with the US PGA.

Players who are under consideration by Watson include Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson, who have not accumulated enough points this season to make it into automatic contention.

Watson said in a release. "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."