Tiger Woods has declined the opportunity to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America has confirmed. The decision follows his announcement that he would step away from golf to focus on his health and wellbeing after being charged with driving under the influence.
In a statement, the PGA of America said: '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.'
Woods, a 15-time major winner, had been the favourite to captain the US team at Adare Manor in Ireland, owned by his friend JP McManus. However, his arrest last week changed the picture. Woods escaped unhurt from an accident in which he clipped a trailer while overtaking and rolled his Land Rover. Police reported signs of impairment and found hydrocodone pills in his vehicle.
On Wednesday, a Florida judge granted Woods permission to leave the US to enter an inpatient treatment facility. The motion, submitted by his attorney, cited the need for an 'intensive, highly individualised and medically integrated program' away from media scrutiny, noting that his privacy had been repeatedly compromised.
