London, Aug 14 (IANS): Star golfer Tiger Woods has opted out of the prestigious Ryder Cup due to an injury.

Woods was in consideration for a place in the US team for the Ryder Cup but Wednesday night made known that he would not be up for selection.

In a statement on www.pga.com Woods said: "While I greatly appreciate (US captain) Tom (Watson) thinking about me for a possible captain's pick, I must take myself out of consideration."

Woods failed to qualify for the team outright but was in the running as one of three wild-card selections.

US captain Tom Watson has said all year he wanted Woods on his team if he were healthy and playing well.

But the former World No.1 has struggled with a series of injuries since winning his most recent major championship at the 2008 US Open -- with a back injury the latest to interrupt his career.

The American golfer underwent a back surgery March 31 and admitted that he will not be fit to participate in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.