Former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart believes US captain Tom Watson will be relieved that Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of next month’s contest at Gleneagles.
Woods failed to qualify for the team automatically and on Thursday, he informed the PGA of America and Watson that, after playing just 11 full tournament rounds on his return to action following back surgery, he did not wish to be considered for one of the three wild card places.
“I don’t think necessarily it’s going to be a bad thing for the US team,” said Coltart, who lost to Woods in the singles at Brookline in 1999, the only time the 14-time major winner has been on a winning team.
“Certainly it’s a bit of a relief for Tom Watson because it was a huge decision that he was going to have to come up with. The decision has been made for him.
“It’s a big break I think for Tom Watson and gives him a bit of space. There was no way Woods was going to play five matches, I think he would have been lucky to play three with a bad back.
“Mentally I think he is also struggling. He can’t be happy with the golf swing, he is hitting the ball sideways.”
Watson expressed his disappointment that Woods won’t be joining his team, but added he appreciates the fact that Woods took the “high road”, giving an honest assessment of where he is health-wise.
“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 a statement, 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’m extremely disappointed that I won’t be ready for the competition.”