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Tiger Woods removes himself from Ryder Cup consideration
Our long national nightmare is over: The Tiger Woods Ryder Cup decision has been made.
The 38-year-old announced Wednesday that he was withdrawing himself from consideration for a spot in the Ryder Cup, ending months of speculation as to whether U.S. Captain Tom Watson would grant Woods a captain’s pick.
In a statement released on his website, Woods cited necessary rest for his lingering back issue as the reason for his absence in the biennial competition.
“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 plan to return to competition at my World Challenge tournament at Isleworth in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 1-7.”
This is the latest blow for Woods in a season where the former World No. 1’s on-course life has been crippled by his ailing back. Just a year ago, Woods won five PGA Tour events, entered the FedExCup Playoffs as the points leader and eventually captured PGA Tour Player of the Year honors.
Early in 2014, though, Woods’ back started flaring up, forcing him to withdraw from the Honda Classic during the final round and gut it out on Sunday at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in clear discomfort.
In March, Woods had surgery on his back, missed three months and looked every bit the rusty golfer since his return in July. The four events in that span, which amounted to two missed cuts, one withdrawal and a 69th place finish, only furthered his dismal 2014 record. In the end, Woods had one top-25 in seven starts and was 218th in the FedEx Cup standings.
What this means for the U.S. squad
The most relieved man on the planet has to be Tom Watson. It’s not necessarily the content of Woods’ words, rather the fact that the monumentally polarizing decision is in the captain’s hands no more.
Whatever calm facade Watson put on when the discussion of Woods and the Ryder Cup arose, his anxiety screamed through his words. In April he had all but guaranteed a spot to Woods. Then he said Woods would have to earn his way on. Last week, he basically left it up to Tiger to decide his fate.
Make up your mind, Tom!
At the very least, the American squad probably dodged a bullet. Woods showed no signs this Summer that he could contribute to a win for his country – he could hardly make a cut. Although the Americans remain massive underdogs, what if his American brethren do somehow dodge the European sword and return to the states as victors? Eyes will most certainly turn back towards Woods. In 21st century play, the American side would be 0-5 with Woods, 2-0 without him.
And that fact wouldn’t kick up a firestorm or anything.
Everyone knows about Woods’ poor Ryder Cup record (13-17-3 overall). His negative energy might eminate into his teammates’ conciousnesses. And he consistently carries the reputation of a man who just doesn’t give a lick about team play (a ridiculous thought by the way. You could certainly question Woods’ desire for this type of competition early in his career, but that apathy evaporated long ago. Here’s some proof. And more damning evidence. Oh, and this. Yep, definitely not caring).
He’s an easy target to pick on when it comes to America’s foibles in recent Ryder Cups. Woods was the game’s best player for 15-plus years, but couldn’t reach .500 in team competition. He also happened to be absent for the U.S.’s one 21st century triumph. That detail proved potent rather quickly, as writers and fans latched onto the concept that the team is better off without Woods.
Imagine if a Tiger-less squad achieves victory once again? Especially with the Americans facing their most daunting odds since 2006?
If you’re a future captain and Woods is a potential captain’s pick, good luck with that decision over a massive and boisterous chorus of dissent. We could hear some imploring that Woods should retire from Ryder Cup competition. Heck, even if the 38-year-old is No. 1 in the Ryder Cup standings, the U.S. only wins without him, maybe he should withdraw his name!
Of course, an American victory is a tremendous “if.” The team can’t even win with better talent, or a commanding 10-6 lead at home.
Woods’ absence in 2014 should be a boon for the squad. Just be prepared for a Tiger backlash if the winning formula once again ignores his existence.
GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.
In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
WITB Albums
- Jason Day – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- Chris Gotterup – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
- SungJae Im – WITB – 2026 The Memorial
Pullout Albums
- Jason Day’s 1off Payntr golf shoes – 2026 The Memorial
- JT Poston’s TaylorMade Spider – 2026 The Memorial
- Cameron putter – 2026 The Memorial
- Tommy Fleetwood’s TM Spider putters – 2026 The Memorial
- New Mitsubishi Chemical 1K Pro Orange shaft – 2026 The Memorial
Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.
Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.
PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole
Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.
Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.
Henley’s Suitcase
- Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
- Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
- Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
- Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
- Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
- Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
- Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype
LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!
Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.
Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.
Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.
Celine’s Suitcase
- Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
- Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
- Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
- Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
- Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
- Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
- Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS
DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!
Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.
Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.
Kaneko’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping Max G440
- Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
- Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
- Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
- Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
- Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7
Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro
Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.
The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.
Alvaro’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
- Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
- Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
- Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
- Wedges
- Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C
A party on the green!
Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026
LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin
Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.
Niemann’s Suitcase
- Driver: Ping 440 LST
- Metal: Ping G440 Max at 15 degrees
- Metal: Ping G425 Max at 21 degrees
- Hybrid: Ping G430 at 25 degrees
- Irons: Ping Blueprint S 5 through PW
- Wedges: Ping S159 at 52, 56, and 60 degrees
- Putter: Ping PLD Anser
Driver: Titleist TSi3 (10 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70 6.5 TX
3-wood: Titleist TS3 (16.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
7-wood: Titleist GTS3 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Denali Black 80 TX
Irons: Titleist T250 (4), Titleist T100 (5-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT (4-6), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (7-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 (48-10F @47, 50-08F @51, 54-10S @55, 60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48), S400 (47)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2026 PGA Championship
Russell Henley’s winning WITB: 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
Photos from the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
CJ Cup Byron Nelson Tour Report: Koepka and Kim’s newest putters finally get hot
Charles Schwab Challenge Tour Report: MacIntyre, Åberg and Spaun all switch putters, TaylorMade launches new Spider
Details on J.J. Spaun’s surprise putter switch
GolfWRX Launch Report: 2026 Titleist GTS drivers
Photos from the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge
PGA Championship Tour Report: Fitzpatrick, Koepka among big-name putter switches for Aronimink
Photos from the ShopRite LPGA
Maria Torres WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 5-M4 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4 5-wood: Ping G440...
Eric Cole WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: PXG Lightning Tour Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Project X Titan Yellow 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees) Shaft:...
Si Woo Kim WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond (8.5 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X Mini driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Mini...
Wyndham Clark’s winning WITB: 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (10.5 degrees) Shaft: Project X Titan Yellow 60 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D Tour (15 degrees) Shaft: Project...
Skin Flute
Aug 19, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Anybody wanna play me!
That’s right, who wants to play “The Skin Flute”
Booger
Aug 15, 2014 at 1:16 am
Like he had a chance of getting picked. There’s only 60 guys with more points that would love to get picked. Thanks for the announcement. What a jerk!
John
Aug 15, 2014 at 12:22 am
Ryan Moore should definitely be picked. He has been very consistent this year. Tom Watson would have been wise for himself to play rather than Tiger.
John
Aug 15, 2014 at 12:20 am
Anybody who thinks the USA has a chance is fooling themselves. Half our team is injured, and the Europeans have been dominating the marquee events. No way we can compete, especially on their soil. Ill be rooting for the USA, but im also going to be smart and invest on the Europe odds of 2/3
Pingback: Tiger Woods removes himself from Ryder Cup consideration | Spacetimeandi.com
dot dot
Aug 14, 2014 at 7:54 pm
So he withdrew himself from consideration for a team that he wasn’t going to be selected for anyway. Hey Tom, I’m withdrawing myself from consideration as well. See how that works, neither mine or Tigers withdrawal effects anything.
Rich
Aug 14, 2014 at 6:20 pm
Darn it. I wanted to see him crash and burn at Gleneagles so bad. GO EUROPE!
Christosterone
Aug 14, 2014 at 7:35 pm
This is going to be a great Ryder Cup.
Europe will have its stalwarts such as Garcia, Rose and Stenson but they will also be missing a few of their past heroes such as Westwood, Donald & McDowell/Poulter(either or both may still get in on points) unless they get a captains pick.
I know it will be exciting to see so many new faces on both sides.
U-S-A…….U-S-A……U-S-A
Big Dick
Aug 15, 2014 at 1:41 pm
LOL I like this!!!!
Christosterone
Aug 14, 2014 at 2:23 pm
And since Im on the Lee Trevino subject, this is a must watch for anyone that loves golf history…
Maybe my favorite story of all time.
http://youtu.be/9sojAI7s160
Ballstriker
Aug 14, 2014 at 3:38 pm
Hey Christosterone!! What a great link to an awesome story. I had to play it back a couple of times to hear every word. Made me laugh, great stuff! Brotha’ Trevino is as tough as they come!
Christosterone
Aug 14, 2014 at 3:44 pm
I LOVE Trevino…we here in Texas worship him…
If you liked that story, check this out…
Jacklin said he had never played a match with anyone who was like this. Tony and Nicklaus said his iron play was matched only bynHogan and his toughness(re match play) was matched by nobody…
My favorite tourney:
http://youtu.be/urdUwammrEM
Ballstriker
Aug 14, 2014 at 9:01 pm
Wow, another gem of a story. To think of how Lee would have destroyed Agoosta, as Seve would say, if he had had the opportunity to complete his resume as a major championship winner. Would have been great to see a green jacket on the Merry Mex! Let’s just say Mr. Trevino was not made to feel welcome on the property. Nuff said.
MHendon
Aug 14, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Yeah not sure what this has to do with the Tiger article but you gotta love Lee.
Christosterone
Aug 14, 2014 at 6:14 pm
Nothing really. I was looking at Ryder cup records(see below link) and was surprised at how high lee was in so many of the categories.
Phil is way up there too in a bunch of stats as well…
RG
Aug 14, 2014 at 8:19 pm
It IS the best story of all time. Jack may be the best of all time, but if I had to pick a guy to go beat him, I’m taking Trevino.
Christosterone
Aug 14, 2014 at 2:16 pm
I wish at some point Lee Trevino would get a write up on this site.
He was a god in match play…
Bested just about everyone in totality of Ryder Cup records…Billy casper notwithstanding.
http://www.rydercup.com/usa/history/2014-ryder-cup-team-records
Jeff
Aug 14, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Anyone who laments Tiger’s poor Ryder cup record doesn’t actually watch the Ryder cup. Last Ryder cup he made six birdies on the back nine, almost halved his last match until Stricks missed an 8 footer. Watson would and should have had him on the team, the reason, just what he said, “He’s Tiger Woods.” The only American to have won 5 times since the last Ryder Cup.
Kevin Casey
Aug 14, 2014 at 1:52 pm
I think it would have been tough to justify putting Tiger on this team. Certainly 2013 Woods is a no brainer (and obviously would have qualified if the Cup were held that year), but he’s been brutal in 2014. Doesn’t matter that he’s Tiger Woods, if he’s unhealthy or playing poorly (or both, as he was recently) then the only way to justify picking him is if there’s a legitimate chance he turns it around between now and Ryder Cup time. With Tiger though, you didn’t see any sign that his game would improve rapidly between now and the Cup. His injuries were just hampering him too much. The U.S. is better off without this Tiger, but not without a healthy and on form one.
I am glad that you pointed out the myth of Tiger’s poor 2012 Ryder Cup. Yes, he was 0-3-1 and I know he apologized for his performance, but record in a small sample size can really be misleading. As you mentioned, he made six birdies on the back nine of his Saturday match, and he had an equally impressive back nine and round Friday against Colsaerts. Actually Tiger probably played the second best golf of the 16 out there Friday afternoon, he just happened to be against the guy who played the best. So I can’t really fault him for that loss, he and Stricker would have beaten every other European team that afternoon.
Honestly besides his opening match that week, he played well. He had more birdies (13) in his last three matches than Dustin Johnson had (11), and DJ went 3-0 while Tiger went 0-2-1. Sometimes you just get unlucky in who you play, and Tiger probably got a higher level of performance from his opponents than anyone else on the team. Doesn’t explain his career Ryder Cup record, but shows that Tiger’s 2012 appearance was a lot better than 0-3-1 indicates.
Christosterone
Aug 14, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Its a class move, plain and simple.
Im sure chamblee will find something wrong with it.
MHendon
Aug 14, 2014 at 5:19 pm
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Gautama
Aug 15, 2014 at 11:28 am
Will Brandel at least admit he’s not healthy now?
adhd
Aug 14, 2014 at 12:51 pm
It’s the only smart thing to do given his recent performance.
M-smizzle
Aug 14, 2014 at 12:26 pm
He can’t play that week
Big Vegas trip already scheduled