When Woods withdrew his name from consideration Wednesday as one of Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson's three wild-card picks for the U.S. team that will take on Europe Sept. 26-28 at Gleneagles in Scotland, it was the best outcome for all parties.
Of course, being injured and unable to compete is hardly good news for Woods in the immediate picture. But coming to grips with the fact that even if he pushed himself (against doctors' orders) and convinced Watson to pick him, the chances of this Ryder Cup ending well for Woods were slim.
Now he can take this time to strengthen his ailing back and reboot for 2015, and Watson can get on with assembling his team without Woods.
"I've been told by my doctors and trainer that my back muscles need to be rehabilitated and healed,'' Woods said in a statement. "They've advised me not to play or practice now. I'm extremely disappointed that I won't be ready for the competition.''
Woods said on his website he would not compete again until the World Challenge Dec. 4-7 at Isleworth in Orlando, Fla., the annual tournament that benefits his foundation.
His withdrawal from Ryder Cup consideration comes less than a week after missing the cut at the PGA Championship at Valhalla and two weeks after having to withdraw in the final round of the WGC-Bridgestone with back spasms. On Monday, the day after the PGA, Watson sounded as if he were leaving it up to Woods whether he wanted to be a part of the team — provided he was healthy.
"I trust Tiger to give me the straight skinny,'' Watson said Monday.
And so Woods did on Wednesday.
"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 in a statement.
Watson praised Woods for having "taken the high road in informing me early on in the selection process. My focus will remain on identifying three players to join the U.S. team and give us the best chance at Gleneagles.''
Ted Bishop, president of the PGA of America, called it "a classy and respectful move by Tiger that allowed captain Watson plenty of time to formulate his team and plan accordingly.''
As relieved as Watson surely is for having the pressure of the decision on Woods taken off his plate, the players outside the nine already on the team are surely energized because Woods being out of the equation gives them a better chance of being picked by Watson.
Jason Dufner — who withdrew from the PGA with a neck injury — Ryan Moore and Brendon Todd were next in the points standings after the top nine automatic picks. Both Moore and Todd missed opportunities to clinch a spot on the team with poor finishes at the PGA.
Other candidates on the outside looking in who have Ryder Cup experience include major champions Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson, as well as Brandt Snedeker. All three were on the 2012 team that lost to Europe 14½ to 13½.
One more potential positive for the U.S. team without Woods is the fact his presence has always been polarizing, giving the Europeans something extra to rally around when they beat Woods.
The U.S., which has won one Ryder Cup since 1999, was already going to Scotland as an underdog even with Woods on the team. Now it will be an even more significant underdog, which might serve as a rallying cry for the Americans.
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