Tiger Woods Declines 2027 Ryder Cup Captaincy After Car Accident

Tiger Woods has turned down the chance to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, the PGA of America has confirmed, days after the 15-time major champion was arrested following a car crash in Florida.

Naija News reports that Tiger Woods, 50, was charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test after clipping a truck and rolling his car last Friday. Woods entered a written plea of not guilty through his lawyers on Tuesday, March 31.

Authorities reported that officers found two white pills in Woods’ pocket identified as hydrocodone, and said he appeared “lethargic and slow” while “sweating profusely” with “extremely dilated” pupils, adding his “normal faculties were impaired”.

Woods has undergone multiple surgeries since a serious road accident in 2021 and has played only sparingly. A Florida judge on Wednesday approved his request to leave the United States for treatment at an inpatient facility overseas.

His attorney Douglas Duncan said doctors had recommended an “intensive, highly individualised and medically integrated programme” away from media scrutiny, adding the urgent care Woods requires cannot be safely delivered in the US “as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised”.

In the aftermath of the crash, Woods announced he would step away from professional golf to seek treatment and focus on his health. A judge has permitted him to travel abroad for care.

“We commend Tiger for prioritising his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision,” the PGA of America said.

The governing body added it stands in full support of Woods and has “sincere hope for his strength, comfort, and recovery”, with updates on the future captaincy to be shared “when appropriate”.

The 2027 contest between the US and Europe will be staged at Adare Manor in Ireland from 17 to 19 September. Keegan Bradley led the US team at Bethpage Black last year and Woods had been widely tipped to succeed him before the recent car crash.

Europe confirmed Luke Donald for a third stint as captain last month.