Tiger Woods announced that he will not compete in the upcoming Ryder Cup after withdrawing from consideration for Team USA due to a back injury, reports confirmed on Wednesday night.

Woods, who has been struggling to regain his form since undergoing surgery on March 31, was being considered by U.S. team captain Tom Watson, but the golf superstar revealed that he was advised to stay away from golf-related activities.

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

Woods, who has appeared in nine Ryder Cup events before, expressed desire to play in this year's tournament. Watson said that Woods will be strongly considered for the team as long as he is playing well and healthy.

"I'm extremely disappointed that I won't be ready for the competition," Woods said. "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."

The 14-time major champion also revealed on his official website that he will be facing a lengthy layoff as he is not planning to return until the World Challenge that will take place on Dec. 7 in Orlando, which means that he will miss another team event in October and lucrative exhibition matches in Asia in November.

"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," Watson said of Woods' withdrawal via Telegraph. "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."

Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Jimmy Walker, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, and Zach Johnson have already clinched a spot in the U.S. Ryder Cup team, while three more players are expected to be named by Watson before Sept. 2.

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