The 15-time major winner was clearly his side's best player across the opening two days,but wasn't among the four American pairings he announced before the afternoon action having already watched the morning fourball matches.
Asked whether he was injured,Woods said:"No. You have to do what's best for the team and I'm getting ready for the singles[on Sunday].
"It is what it is,and we're going to go out there and try and get some points today and be ready for[Sunday]."
The decision clearly surprised International skipper Ernie Els,whose underdogs are edging closer to one of the biggest boilovers in team golf history.
You have to do what's best for the team and I'm getting ready for the singles[on Sunday]
Tiger Woods
"Yes[I am surprised],"Els said."Especially the way he's been playing with JT[Justin Thomas]. But JT has been rock solid on their side and looks like he's teaming well with Rickie[Fowler]. I thought Tiger would play this afternoon."
Bad boy Patrick Reed's horror week Down Under went from bad to worse as he and Webb Simpson were trounced five and three by Hideki Matsuyama and CT Pan,ensuring the former US Masters winner has lost all three matches this week.