Golf: Woods pulls out of Lancome Trophy

Tiger Woods has pulled out of next week's Lancome Trophy in Paris.

Woods was to have used the event as a warm-up for the Ryder Cup due to start at The Belfry in a fortnight's time.

But the world number one does not feel he can travel so soon after Tuesday's terrorism in New York and Washington.

Woods said in a statement on his website: "I don't believe this is an appropriate time to play competitive golf. I feel strongly that this is a time to pause, reflect and remember the victims of Tuesday's horrific attack.

"I have always felt that I must be fully committed to each and every golf competition I enter, but due to this week's events, I am not.

"I also fear that the security risks of travelling overseas at the present time are too great.

"I would like to thank Trophee Lancome for their understanding and co-operation in this difficult situation."

The whole of sport is now waiting to hear whether the Ryder Cup will go ahead and there was a rumour that the decision of the American team has to be unanimous for them to make the trip.

A statement from the PGA of America said that a decision on whether the match takes place could still be days away.

"We are reassessing every logistic connected with the match," said chief executive officer Jim Awtrey. "This will require input from our Government."

Woods was due to arrive in the French capital on Tuesday and then planned to link up with his cup team-mates on their arrival in Birmingham on Monday week.

But everything surrounding a match which generates a profit in the region of £10m has now been thrown into doubt.

The European Tour, meanwhile, have agreed to allow all members of Europe's Ryder Cup team to file late entries into the event in Paris if they wish to play.

Welshman Phillip Price has already taken up the chance and officials are waiting to hear from others.

Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and Thomas Bjorn, who pulled out of the world championship with a shoulder injury, were already in the starting line-up.