Woods spares Watson of difficult decision as he withdraws from US Ryder Cup selection

American Ryder Cup team captain Tom Watson has been spared a difficult decision as former world number one Tiger Woods did a big favour by withdrawing from September's match at Gleneagles.

The uncertainty over whether Woods would receive a wildcard was already starting to have a corrosive effect on the captain's authority. Watson's position on Woods had been shifting with each setback during the 14-time major champion's now aborted return from back surgery.

Form and fitness were Watson's pre-requisites but, although Woods showed neither at any of his four comeback events, the skipper still kept open the possibility of a pick, which left him under pressure, The BBC reported.

Watson appeared indecisive as he revealed that he would, effectively, leave the decision up to Woods if he would be in the US team or not.

Watson said that he is Tiger Woods and brings a lot to the team, adding that if the former world number one has the ability to play and is healthy, then he would be a fool not to consider him.

The worst-case scenario would have been for Woods to let the situation linger. Watson would have been left in a no-win situation heading towards the wildcard announcement.

Woods has now ensured this dilemma has been removed and in good time. Watson can spend the upcoming PGA Tour play-offs assessing his three potential wildcards without Woods clouding the issue.

Woods agent Mark Steinberg said that it was a big decision for him to place a call to Watson and take himself out of consideration. He added that often people have questioned Woods' commitment to the Ryder Cup, to team events.

Steinberg said that nobody should question Woods' integrity when it comes to playing for his country, adding that he feels this says a lot about his feelings toward the event and team competition.