Injured Woods ruled out of Ryder Cup

Tiger Woods has spoken of his “extreme disappointment” after removing himself from consideration for the US Ryder Cup team in order to fully recover from his back injury.

The 38-year-old American, who failed to qualify automatically for the Gleneagles event, has been suffering from a persistent back problem.

Woods had surgery in March and has been told not to play by doctors.

"While I greatly appreciate Tom [Watson] thinking about me for a possible captain's pick, I must take myself out of consideration," he 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'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."

World number 11 Woods, who has played in seven Ryder Cups but only been on the winning side once, was sidelined for three months following his surgery, but reported no pain when he returned to action in June.

He finished level 69th at the Open in July, his worst showing in that event as a professional, and shot a pair of three-over-par 74s at the US PGA at Valhalla to miss the cut for only the fourth time in a major championship.

The 14-times major winner has confirmed that he plans to take an extended leave from the game until December to ensure he is fully fit.

“I plan to return to competition at my World Challenge tournament at Isleworth in Orlando, Florida on 1-7 December,” Woods said in a statement on his website. “It’s an event that’s important to me and my foundation, and it will be exciting to be playing again.

Last week's US PGA Championship was the final tournament to count towards qualification for the US Ryder Cup side, and Woods' failure at Valhalla left him 70th in the US Ryder Cup standings, 61 places off a qualifying berth.