Woods 'not mentally with it', says Monty

Colin Montgomerie believes Tiger Woods is “not mentally with it” as he raised doubts about the American’s chances of competing in the Ryder Cup.

The 14-time Major winner’s 270-week reign as world number one is well and truly under threat after his four-over-par 74 in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

The Ryder Cup takes place at Celtic Manor at the start of October and there are real doubts about whether Woods will be involved.

The 34-year-old has struggled since returning from a break after revelations about his personal life, but European captain Montgomerie hopes he will launch a challenge to be a part of it.

The Scot told Sky Sports News: “He’s not mentally with it right now, that’s obvious. I hope he gets back to some form shortly.

“He lost the world number one spot to Vijay Singh a while back and didn’t like that very much and got it back. This won’t please him at all.

“But more importantly right now for Tiger is thinking about the Ryder Cup, he’s not in the top eight of their qualifying.

“It doesn’t look like he’s going to be in the top eight after this event anyway and that makes the US PGA a very important event for him next week.

“Does (USA captain) Corey Pavin take a chance hoping Tiger’s form will change before the Ryder Cup? That’s up to him and not us.”