Paul Azinger has reacted to the loss of Tiger Woods from his Ryder Cup team by insisting he is more worried about the player's welfare than than how it affects America's chances.
World number one Woods will miss the rest of the season, including September's showpiece against Europe at Valhalla, as he is set to undergo reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee as well as rehabilitating a fracture of the left tibia in his leg.
His absence is a potential blow to his country's chances of ending Europe's recent dominance of the Ryder Cup - they have won the last three matches - although some argue it may actually boost their hopes.
US captain Azinger said: "I admire Tiger as a person, player and fan - this should not be about Tiger and the Ryder Cup now.
"This is about Tiger's health and well-being and his march to history."
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