Quotes of the Week: August 17, 2014

“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 was fortunate that my recent back injury was not related to my surgery and was muscular only. I have already spoken to Tom (Watson) about the Ryder Cup, and while I greatly appreciate his thinking about me for a possible captain’s pick, I took myself out of consideration...” (1/3)

“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...” (2/3)

“I plan to return to competition at my World Challenge tournament at Isleworth in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 1-7. It’s an event that’s important to me and my foundation, and it will be exciting to be playing again.” (3/3)

“My primary wish is for Tiger to be healthy and competitive, and I hope that he’ll return to the game very soon. 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...” (1/2)

“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 in the selection process. My focus will remain on identifying thee players to join the U.S. team and give us the best chance for success at Gleneagles.” (2/2)

“By making this decision, Tiger has put the U.S. Ryder Cup team and his health first. And although we’re disappointed that he will not be part of this year’s team, we respect Tiger’s decision, and wish him all the best for a speedy and successful recovery. This is a classy and respectful move by Tiger that allows Captain Watson plenty of time to formulate his team plans accordingly.”

“When I was 9 under after eight, I started thinking 59… Earlier than I should … but it worked out all right.”

“On Sunday, I signed for a bogey 4 on the par-3 11th hole… While approaching the hole to tap in my 3-inch bogey putt, the putter swung over the ball prior to tapping in. Realizing that there could be the slightest doubt that the swing over the ball should have been recorded as a stroke, I spoke with the PGA of America and shared with them my conclusion that the stroke should have been recorded.”

“Felt like I played one on, off three, played one, off four... I think if the field sizes were the same as they were last year I would have gotten in four, five more events. That’s just frustrating.” - on limited PGA Tour starts for Web.com grads.

“I meant it, but I also didn’t anticipate an arm injury that has cost me the whole summer…I hurt it back in May, when I was really starting to play well, catch my stride. I was leading or close to the lead after the first round in Dallas, and I was in the hospital getting injections.” - on making 2014 his last season playing full schedule on sponsors exemptions