“Tiger Woods has informed the PGA of America and United States captain Tom Watson that due to his current health situation, he has taken himself out of consideration to serve as a captain’s pick for the 2014 U.S. Ryder Cup Team,” read a statement on www.pga.com.

``While I greatly appreciate Tom thinking about me for a possible captain's pick, I must take myself out of consideration,'' said Woods.

“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 U.S. Team and the Ryder Cup mean too much to me not to be able to give it my best. I’ll be cheering for the U.S. Team. I think we have an outstanding squad going into the matches.”

Woods underwent back surgery on March 31 and did not return to action until the end of June, missing the cut in the Quicken Loans National and then finishing 69th in the Open at Royal Liverpool, his worst 72-hole finish in a major in the paid ranks.

He withdrew after hitting his tee shot on the ninth hole of his final round at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and was a major doubt to even take part in the US PGA Championship last week.

The 14-time major winner missed just his fourth cut in 66 majors as a professional after suffering yet more back trouble at Valhalla but Watson insisted he was still in his thoughts and that he trusted Woods to be honest about his physical condition.

And the captain has now been proved right and knows Woods will not be an option when he makes his three picks on September 2.

“My primary wish is for Tiger to be healthy and competitive, and I hope that he’ll return to the game very soon,” said Watson.

“Of course, I’m disappointed that Tiger Woods has asked not to be considered for the U.S. 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 the selection process.

“My focus will remain on identifying three players to join the U.S. team and give us the best chance for success at Gleneagles.”

Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Jimmy Walker, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Zach Johnson and Phil Mickelson are the nine automatic qualifiers for a place on the 12-man American team.

Keegan Bradley looks to be the most likely candidate for a wild card given his three wins from three matches with Phil Mickelson at Medinah, but Watson has injury concerns over Kuchar and prospective pick Jason Dufner.

Kuchar withdrew from the US PGA before the start with back spasms, while Dufner’s title defence lasted just 10 holes with a long-standing neck problem and he dropped out of the qualifying places.