World No. 1 Rory McIlroy admits it is best for the USA Ryder Cup team the injured Tiger Woods has made himself unavailable for Gleneagles selection.

Woods presented  USA Captain Tom Watson with a ‘get out’ card in announcing last week he did not want to be considered for a ‘wildcad pick’.

It will be the second occasion in Woods career injury has forced him from a Ryder Cup as he was recovering from knee surgery in 2008 when the USA Team under Paul Azinger won at Valhalla.

However after spending Monday in New York with Woods McIlroy can see the wisdom of the 14-time Major winner’s decision.

“A healthy Tiger Woods is going to be an asset to the US Team,” said McIlroy on the eve  of this week’s Barclays Championship.

“He just thinks that he’s not healthy enough to play and doesn’t feel like he can contribute to the team.

“So it’s best for the US Team for him not to be there.  It means that another guy or another couple of guys can step up and try to win some points for the US side.”

Rory McIlroy says it’s best for the USA Ryder Cup team Tiger Woods has made himself unavailable for Gleneagles. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)