Tiger Woods turns down chance to captain the United States at 2027 Ryder Cup

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 number one’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.”

Fifteen-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 long-time friend and associate JP McManus.

The events of last Friday, however, have changed the picture with Woods, 50, 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.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement on X. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”

Woods was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test following last week’s incident on Jupiter Island, Florida.

He did not appear in person at a court hearing on Tuesday but entered a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers and demanded a jury trial.

Prior to the incident there had been speculation over whether Woods might play at the Masters – an event he has won five times – next week.

That will now not happen and former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes goodwill towards Woods, despite his reputation as one of the game’s all-time greats, is starting to fade.

The Irishman said: “A lot of people are running out of patience now, including himself and his family by all accounts from what he said yesterday.

“He realises the seriousness of the situation and I think it’s a line in the sand.”

Woods’ decision to withdraw from captaincy consideration leaves the US behind in its planning, with Europe having reappointed Luke Donald four weeks ago.

McGinley, who oversaw Europe’s triumph in 2014, believes Woods could come into consideration in the future, despite showing little obvious enthusiasm.

He said: “It’s certainly something down the road that he may evolve towards but he hasn’t really shown a strong appetite towards that.”