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American golfer Tiger Woods has turned down the opportunity to captain the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup team, opting instead to withdraw from professional golf to focus on his health.
The PGA of America confirmed the decision on Wednesday, expressing full support for the 50-year-old icon.
In a formal statement, the organisation commended Woods for his courage in prioritising his long-term well-being and emphasised that he remains a cherished member of the PGA family.
Statement from the PGA of America pic.twitter.com/vRjdXiR7yU
— PGA of America (@PGA) April 1, 2026
This withdrawal follows a legal incident last Friday near his Florida residence, where Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a rollover vehicle accident.
Although a breathalyser test indicated no alcohol was present in his system, responding officers determined he was impaired, and Woods subsequently refused a urine analysis.
On Tuesday, he entered a plea of not guilty to misdemeanour charges of property damage and refusal of a lawful medical test.
Following his court appearance, Woods announced an indefinite hiatus from the sport to undergo treatment.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) March 31, 2026
While he had previously been in discussions with the PGA of America regarding the captaincy for next year’s matches at Adare Manor in Ireland, he had remained undecided until this week.
His absence leaves the U.S. team seeking a new leader as they attempt to break a long-standing drought on European soil and reclaim the trophy from a dominant European side.
