Tiger Woods has insisted that the prospect of retirement is not yet on the horizon despite suffering with form and fitness in recent years.

The 39-year-old, who turns 40 at the end of this month, was named as one of Davis Love III's vice-captains for the USA Ryder Cup team, increasing speculation that he could be considering walking away from his playing days.

However, the 14-time Major winner says that he is "looking forward" to the 2016 season and hopes to take part in the Ryder Cup as a player as well as a vice-captain.

"It was a tough year physically and took a toll on my body. I had to battle through a swing pattern change and get that organized, because it was awful at the beginning of the year. I didn't play for the longest time because I was stuck," he said in a statement on his official website.

"The frustrating part was not being able to build on it throughout the year. To finally have it switch and turn in the last event I played at the Wyndham Championship, and then lo and behold, I can't physically do it anymore. I've had two back surgeries since then, so it's been a roller-coaster ride the entire year, from being down to some pretty darn good highs.

"The thing I'm looking forward to the most about 2016 is getting back out there again. I've missed it, and I would like to do it pain-free. I haven't done that in what seems like a long time. I've had it in spurts the last few years and have done some pretty good things, but I'd like to have sustained health."

On the Ryder Cup, to be played in Minnesota, Woods added: "Hopefully, I'll be able to play my way onto the Ryder Cup team. Either way, I'm excited about being an assistant captain. It will be new, fun and special. To have Davis appoint and trust me is pretty special.

"Where do I see myself in the next five to 10 years? I am still playing golf at the highest level and winning tournaments and major championships."

Woods won the last of his 14 Major titles in 2008.