Stricker made the comments in a SiriusXM Radio interview at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, site of the upcoming Ryder Cup between the U.S. and Europe.

After announcing his six picks for his 12-man, Stricker said he has talked to Woods "a lot," acknowledging that the 15-time major champion would not be joining the U.S. as an assistant.

"He's very passionate about (the Ryder Cup). He's a great guy to talk to. He's a great guy to lean on. We've had a number of talks," Stricker said in the interview.

"He's a part of this Ryder Cup family; he won't be able to be a captain's assistant this time around just because of his ongoing rehabilitation to try to get better and try to play golf again, and that is going well.

"He's progressing, he's doing well, things are moving in the right direction."

The last words from Woods publicly about his recovery came in late May when he said he was focused on "walking on my own."

Woods, 45, sustained serious injuries after crashing an SUV on February 23 in the Los Angeles County city of Rancho Palos Verdes.

He is recovering from open fractures to his tibia and fibula, which needed a rod inserted to aid healing, and also foot and ankle injuries that needed screws and pins placed to aid in stabilisation.

He was hospitalised for almost a month after the crash.

Woods played three events in the 2020-21 PGA Tour season, most recently the 2020 Masters that was delayed until November, as he was recovering from back surgery.

The Ryder Cup begins September 24.