Tiger Woods steps back from Ryder Cup captaincy to focus on health

Tiger Woods has declined the opportunity to serve as United States Ryder Cup captain in 2027, the PGA of America has confirmed.

The 50-year-old golfer recently faced legal issues after being arrested in Florida for driving under the influence following a crash that left his vehicle overturned.

He has also been charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, entering a written plea of not guilty through his lawyers.

In the wake of the accident, Woods announced he is stepping away from professional golf to prioritise his health and undergo treatment.

A Florida judge has granted him permission to seek care overseas at a specialised inpatient facility. His attorney, Douglas Duncan, stated that doctors recommended an intensive, highly personalised programme, emphasising that the golfer’s privacy has been repeatedly compromised in the United States.

The PGA of America expressed full support for Woods, praising his decision to prioritise long-term health and wishing him strength and recovery.

Woods has an extensive Ryder Cup history, representing the United States eight times between 1997 and 2018, though he has only been part of a winning team once, in 1999 at Brookline, Massachusetts.

The 2027 Ryder Cup is scheduled at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, from 17–19 September. Keegan Bradley captained the US team in 2025, and Woods had been a leading candidate for the next role.

Having undergone multiple surgeries since a serious 2021 road accident, Woods has competed only sporadically in recent years, making this focus on recovery a crucial step.