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Tiger Woods removes himself from Ryder Cup consideration

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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.

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Kevin's fascination with the game goes back as long as he can remember. He has written about the sport on the junior, college and professional levels and hopes to cover its proceedings in some capacity for as long as possible. His main area of expertise is the PGA Tour, which is his primary focus for GolfWRX. Kevin is currently a student at Northwestern University, but he will be out into the workforce soon enough. You can find his golf tidbits and other sports-related babble on Twitter @KevinCasey19. GolfWRX Writer of the Month: September 2014

24 Comments

24 Comments

  1. Skin Flute

    Aug 19, 2014 at 6:50 pm

    Anybody wanna play me!
    That’s right, who wants to play “The Skin Flute”

  2. 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!

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. Pingback: Tiger Woods removes himself from Ryder Cup consideration | Spacetimeandi.com

  6. 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.

  7. 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!!!!

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  11. 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?

  12. adhd

    Aug 14, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    It’s the only smart thing to do given his recent performance.

  13. M-smizzle

    Aug 14, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    He can’t play that week
    Big Vegas trip already scheduled

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News

Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Friday morning, golf fans, may a bountiful weekend of golf be in store for you!

1. 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour

KFT staff report…”Frankie Capan III went crazy low Thursday on the Korn Ferry Tour. Nearly in record fashion.”

  • “Capan carded 13-under 58 in the opening round of the Veritex Bank Championship, matching the second lowest score in Korn Ferry Tour history. He fell one shy of Cristobal Del Solar’s record 57, set at the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard earlier this year, but it was a heck of a show nonetheless.”
  • “The Minnesota native played an eight-hole stretch in 9-under Thursday, following an eagle at the par-5 ninth with seven straight birdies to begin the back nine at par-71 Texas Rangers Golf Club. He “cooled off” with a two-putt par at the long par-4 17th hole. He arrived at the par-5 18th hole at 13 under for the round, but he found a fairway bunker off the tee, laid up to 134 yards and missed his third shot left of the green. He chipped to 7 feet and drained the par putt to match the Korn Ferry Tour’s second-lowest score of 58, carded by Stephan Jaeger in the opening round of the 2016 Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae.”
Full piece.

2. Team McIlowery starts strong

Paul Hodowanic for PGATour.com…”Late Thursday afternoon in New Orleans, Rory McIlroy rested his head on Shane Lowry’s shoulder.”

  • “It wasn’t the typical post-round moment, but this isn’t the typical event. McIlroy and Lowry teamed up for this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the PGA TOUR’s lone team event, and the all-Irish duo put on a show. Sporting matching pink-on-navy getups, McIlroy/Lowry opened in a best-ball 11-under 61 in Thursday’s Four-ball format at TPC Louisiana.”
  • “This partnership might have stemmed from a boozy brunch last fall, but their opening-round performance at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans gave the field a sobering reminder: They’ll be tough to top.”
Full piece.

3. LPGA Tour: Grace Kim in front

AP report…”Grace Kim shot a 7-under 64 at Wilshire Country Club to take the first-round lead Thursday in the LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”

  • “Playing in the morning session, the 23-year-old Australian capped her bogey-free round with a chip-in birdie on the par-3 18th.”
  • “Well, I chunked my tee shot on the last hole 20 meters short and then I chipped it in it,” Kim said. “I think that’s pretty cool, in front of everyone
Full piece.

4. McIlroy on rejoining policy board

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Rory McIlroy said Wednesday that he is willing to rejoin the PGA Tour policy board if the other player directors want him.”

  • “As first reported by the Guardian, Webb Simpson has submitted a letter stating that he’d like to resign from the board, but only if his vacant seat is filled by McIlroy, who stepped down last fall because of the toll it had taken on him professionally and personally.”
  • “Five months later, what has changed?”
  • “I think I can be helpful,” McIlroy said Wednesday ahead of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he is partnering with Shane Lowry. “I don’t think there’s been much progress made in the last eight months, and I was hopeful that there would be. I think I could be helpful to the process. But only if people want me involved, I guess.”
Full piece.

5. Charlie Woods shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Golfweek’s Cameron Jourdan…”Charlie Woods is going to have to wait to play in the U.S. Open.”

“The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods played Thursday in local qualifying for the United States Golf Association’s national championship, set for June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. Charlie played at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and he shot 9-over 81.”

“Charlie’s round featured a bogey on his opening hole, the par-4 first. He then doubled the par-5 second. A pair of pars followed before his lone birdie on the front, but another double the next hole, the par-4 sixth, had him turn in 4-over 40.”

Full piece.

6. Photos from the Zurich Classic

GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

Check out all our photos at the link below!

Full piece.
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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.

Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying about our photos from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the forums.

 

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Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.

1. 15-year-old finishes top 20 on KFT

Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”During a week when most eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the 15-year-old lefty finished off an incredible week with a five-under 66 in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.”

  • “After opening with 68-66-70, Russell finished at 14-under-par total to tie for 20th place. The finish in which he jumped 28 positions on the leaderboard on the final day, gives him an exemption into next week’s Veritex Bank Championship at Rangers Park in Arlington, Texas. He’s the youngest player to finish inside the top 20 on the PGA of Korn Ferry tours, according to records that go back to 1983.”
Full piece.

2. Understandably, Nelly WDs

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Nelly Korda’s bid for a record-setting sixth consecutive win will have to wait a few weeks.”

  • “A day after capturing the Chevron Championship during a marathon final round in Houston, Korda announced on social media that she was withdrawing from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”
  • “It was not an easy decision,” she wrote. “After the unbelievable week at the Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”
Full piece.

3. Scheffler’s impressive No. 1 feat

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”After Scheffler’s victory Monday morning at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler upped his points average to 15.016 and increased his advantage in the Official World Golf Ranking over No. 2 Rory McIlroy to more than double McIlroy’s 7.365 average, meaning Scheffler is ranked further ahead of No. 2 than No. 2 is ahead of the last-ranked player.”

  • “The last time a No. 1 player had a greater points average was Woods, who was at 15.4564 on Dec. 6, 2009. But Woods was less than seven average points ahead of No. 2 Phil Mickelson at the time. Earlier that year, Woods was 7.735 ahead of Mickelson, which is the last time the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was greater than Scheffler’s current 7.651 advantage.”
Full piece.

4. Zurich field notes

PGATour.com’s Adam Stanley…”Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut alongside good pal, Ryder Cup teammate, and Irishman Shane Lowry – a duo that was firmed up during a celebratory lunch after the Ryder Cup last fall… Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will try to reprise their 2022 win here. Cantlay and Schauffele have both the Foursomes and Four-ball scoring records at this event… Davis Riley and Nick Hardy will defend their 2023 title. No team has gone back-to-back… Three sets of brothers (and two sets of twins!) will play together with twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Parker and Pierceson Coody in the field along with Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are sponsor invites…”

  • “Billy Horschel, who won last week at the Corales Puntacana Championship, will be without his previous partner Sam Burns, as Burns and his wife are expecting their first child any day. Horschel will instead be paired with fellow University of Florida alum Tyson Alexander. Horschel has won the Zurich Classic when it was both an individual and team event… Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. The Canadian duo finished runner-up a year ago and would like nothing more than to show Presidents Cup International Team captain Mike Weir how well they play together… Steve Stricker will play his second TOUR event this season (after earning his way into THE PLAYERS Championship), teaming up with Matt Kuchar.”
Full piece.

5. Tiger’s teammates

Field Level Media report…”Tiger Woods announced Monday that Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner have joined his Jupiter Links GC TGL team.”

  • “The virtual golf league headed by Woods and Rory McIlroy will begin its inaugural season next January. Woods also unveiled the team’s logo.”
  • “I have already shared my excitement and optimism for TGL as a league and product,” said Woods. “Now that we have finalized our roster with a team of world-class golfers, I am even more confident that this group will proudly represent the Jupiter (Fla.) area and connect with our fans for years to come.”
Full piece.

6. Woosnam questions Cantlay’s decision

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, who’s ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.”

  • “On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.”
  • “Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and chip and putt on Monday morning.”
  • “Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision making.”
  • “Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 am Monday morning.”
Full piece.

7. JT on Scheffler’s “weird” equipment choice

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After Justin Thomas’ third round of the RBC Heritage, the two-time major champion went in the broadcast booth alongside the CBS crew.”

  • “While Thomas was watching Scottie Scheffler play on the back nine of his third round, he wondered aloud why Scottie uses high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Does anybody else think it’s weird that Scottie uses high numbers? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an elite player use high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Amanda Balionis who was on the grounds chimed in, reporting that analyst Dottie Pepper had wondered the same thing earlier that day.”
  • “I’ve been going about this wrong my whole life,” Thomas jokingly said.
Full piece.

8. Rory to rejoin PGA Tour policy board

Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”Four-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy is poised to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, pending a vote by the board, which could come as early as this week, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”

  • “One of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters during its three-year battle with LIV Golf, McIlroy abruptly resigned as a player director on the tour’s influential policy board in November.”
  • “He is expected to replace policy board player director Webb Simpson, who intends to step away before his two-year term expires in 2025.”
Full piece.

9. Weir names Presidents Cup assistants

PGA Tour report…”International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 24-29.

Full piece.
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