Fourteen-time Major winning Tiger Woods said he was shocked to learn Dustin Johnson will not be competing in this year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

Johnson’s management company issued a statement while Woods was out on the Firestone Country Club course that Johnson is taking an ‘indefinite leave of absence’ and with the PGA of America later advising it had received further word from Johnson’s management company the leave of absence included participation in the PGA Championship and the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Tiger Woods says he is shocked to learn Dustin Johnson will not be competing on this year’s USA Ryder Cup team. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“It comes as a shock,” said Woods after posting a two under par 68 in the defence of his WGC – Bridgestone Invitational title.

“We heard that he pulled out of this event earlier this week, didn’t know why, but obviously now we know”.

And while Woods is striving hard to either qualify automatically for Tom Watson’s side and/or earn a ‘wildcard’ pick he was a team mate of Johnson’s in the 2010 and 2012 USA Ryder Cup team and partnered Johnson to victory in the 2011 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

“All I heard was that he’s out for personal reasons and I don’t know if you guys know more than me on that one,” he said.

“But his power, you always want guys with that kind of power to play on any team.

“I’ve been his partner in the Presidents Cup in Australia, and the fire power that he has, it’s pretty cool to be around.  It’s not too often you see the guy carry the ball 320 without even trying.

“And then when he steps on it, he can hit it even further.  When he gets it going, it’s awfully impressive.”

Woods, an eight-time former WGC – Bridgestone Invitational winner, posted six birdies and just two bogeys in his round played in superb conditions in suburban Akron.

“Overall, I was very pleased with today”, he said.

“I hit a lot of good shots.  I dropped shots at three holes out there today. got it right back on the very next holes and that was nice to have three good bounce-backs.

“So, it was a good, solid day.”