Tiger Woods has begged off from joining the U.S. team who will compete in the upcoming Ryder Cup, opting to rest his injured back which hampered him to take a crack at the PGA Championship last week

In a statement, Woods explained that he was not in the pink of health when the competition starts, and it would significantly affect the team's chances at winning the series.

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"The U.S. team and the Ryder Cup mean too much to me not to be able to give it my best," he said. "I'll be cheering for the U.S. team. I think we have an outstanding squad going into the matches."

Doctors advised Woods not to play or practice, saying that the pain was not related to the surgery he went through in March.

For most of the season, Woods has struggled with his back, opting to undergo surgery to relieve pressure from a pinched nerve. He missed the Masters and U.S. Open as he recuperated.

The injury appeared to hound Woods' performance after he missed the cut at the PGA Championship last week in Valhalla, where he shot a poor 74.

U.S. captain Tom Watson earlier hinted that Woods was still being considered to the team despite his dismal performances, but the 14-time major tournament winner said that he had already taken himself out of consideration.

PGA President Ted Bishop stated that while he was disappointed, he respected Tiger's decision. "This is a classy and respectful move by Tiger," he said, "that allows Captain Watson plenty of time to formulate his team plans accordingly."

Woods will not be playing in any PGA Tour events this year. He said he was looking to return to the competition circuit in the annual World challenge event, an event he himself will host, in December.   

Woods has played in every Ryder Cup since 1997, except for 2008, where he underwent knee surgery. That same year was also the only time that the Americans have won since 1999.

Going in to the competition, the Americans remain heavy underdogs, with Matt Kuchar nursing a back injury, and Jason Dufner potentially being unavailable with bulging discs in his neck.

Watson is set to name his three wildcard selections on September 2. Nine members - Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kichar, Jordan Spieth, Jimmy Walker, and Patrick Reed - qualify automatically.

Tagstiger woods, Ryder Cup