Tiger Woods has turned down the United States’ Ryder Cup captaincy after a Florida judge approved his motion to leave the country to seek treatment.

Woods had been offered the chance to captain the US against Europe in the 2027 Ryder Cup to be held in County Limerick, Ireland. 

Woods to seek treatment

Tiger Woods says he will step away and seek treatment, days after he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

“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 in a statement.

The developments come one day after Woods entered a not guilty plea to suspicion of driving under the influence.

His SUV clipped the back of a trailer and flipped on its side last week on a residential road near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida.

A sheriff’s report said Woods had pain pills in his pocket and showed signs of impairment at the scene of the crash.

Woods posted a statement on Wednesday AEDT saying he was stepping away indefinitely “to seek treatment and focus on my health”.

A motion filed by his lawyer, Douglas Duncan, asked a judge to allow Woods to travel outside the country to begin “comprehensive inpatient treatment”.

Martin County Court Judge Darren Steele approved the motion, which did not state where the inpatient treatment facility was located.

AP/ABC