Tiger Woods has turned down the opportunity to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America has announced.
The former world No 1’s decision comes after he announced he would step away from golf for a period to focus on his health and wellbeing. Woods was charged with driving under the influence after being involved in a car accident last week.
A statement read: “We commend Tiger for prioritising his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision. Tiger has shared with us that he will not serve as captain of the 2027 US Ryder Cup team and we support his decision. The PGA of America will share further updates regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy when appropriate.”
The 15-time major winner Woods had been the favourite to take on the role for the US at the Irish resort of Adare Manor, which is owned by longtime friend and associate, JP McManus. The events of last Friday, however, have changed the picture with Woods escaping unhurt from an accident in which he clipped a trailer he was attempting to overtake and rolled his Land Rover.
Police reported that he showed signs of impairment and investigators found two white pills identified as hydrocodone – a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain – during a search of his vehicle. It was the fourth occasion he had been involved in a motoring accident since 2009.
Woods has undergone numerous surgeries throughout his career with many to the leg and ankle since suffering multiple injuries in a serious crash in 2021.
The 50-year-old was granted a request on Wednesday by a Florida judge to leave the US to enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility as he faces misdemeanor driving under the influence charges.
The Martin County court judge, Darren Steele, granted the motion to travel submitted by Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, who cited the golf superstar’s need for an “intensive, highly individualied and medically integrated program” away from media and public scrutiny.
“Based upon the defendant’s treating physician, the out-of-country treatment facility recommendation is based upon the defendant’s complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised,” the motion by Duncan stated.
“Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.”
