FORMER Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart believes US captain Tom Watson will be relieved that Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of the contest at Gleneagles.

Woods failed to qualify automatically and told the US PGA he did not wish to be considered for a wild card place.

"I don't think it's going to be a bad thing for the US team," said Coltart, who lost to Woods in the singles at Brookline in 1999 - the only time the 14-time major winner has been on a winning team.

"It's a bit of a relief for Watson because he was going to have to make a huge decision. That has now been made for him.

"There was no way Tiger was going to play five matches. I think he'd have been lucky to play three with a bad back. I think he's also struggling mentally. Tiger can't be happy with his swing - he is hitting it sideways."

The Scot added: "Now Watson has the freedom to pick somebody else, I think it could make that US team a little stronger.

"They are going to come together a bit like a wounded animal. They have several players out.

"Dustin Johnson is on a leave of absence, Jason Dufner has hurt his neck and Matt Kuchar has a bad back. The US are definitely the underdogs."

Kuchar has qualified but withdrew before the start of the US PGA last week, while Dufner's title defence at Valhalla lasted only 10 holes. As a result he has dropped out of the automatic places.

Asked if Woods could be made a vice-captain for next month's event, Coltart said: "The US has always struggled with a bunch of egos. They are all individuals.

"But Europe is always great at coming together, with great team players like Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter helping out.

"I'm not so sure you get that from Tiger. I don't think using him as a vice-captain would be a great thing for their team."