Tiger Woods has turned down the chance to captain the USA at next year’s Ryder Cup after his announcement that he is stepping away from golf.
The 15-times major winner, 50, has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence after Friday’s car crash in Florida. He passed a breathalyser test but refused to give a urine sample.
Although he gave no time limit on his hiatus from golf, he has now told the PGA of America that he does not wish to be the captain at Adare Manor in Ireland next year. Woods had been in discussions with chiefs about going head-to-head with Luke Donald in 2027, but has now made his decision.
A statement from the PGA of America 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.”
This puts the PGA of America back at square one. Woods, who declined the role for last year’s clash due to other commitments, was the only choice and had been asked to provide an answer before the Masters.
He has now done that, so the Americans must decide whether to go for someone with experience, such as Steve Stricker or Jim Furyk, or opt for a younger, untested figure such as Brandt Snedeker or Webb Simpson. Another divisive option would be to give Keegan Bradley a second chance despite widespread criticism of his captaincy during September’s defeat at Bethpage Black.
Woods made his Ryder Cup debut in 1997Hugh Routledge/Times Media Limited
Woods’ decision is no surprise after his latest car crash raised questions about his health and use of painkillers. A police report released on Monday said he was found with two pills of hydrocodone, a potent semi-synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain, at the crash scene.
A Florida judge has granted a request from Woods to leave the United States to seek “comprehensive inpatient treatment”.
Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, submitted the motion to travel on Wednesday, citing the 50-year-old golfer’s urgent need for an “intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program” as well as privacy from media and public scrutiny.
In requesting approval for the travel, Duncan said Woods’ doctor had recommended the out-of-country treatment facility “based upon the defendant’s complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised. Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.”
The statement from the PGA of America read: “The PGA of America stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and wellbeing. During this time, we are keeping Tiger in our thoughts and prayers, with sincere hope for his strength, comfort, and recovery.
“Tiger has meant so much to our association and to the game of golf. Since his Ryder Cup debut in 1997, he has been an enduring part of the PGA of America family. His connection to our PGA of America Golf Professionals and his lasting impact on the sport, have inspired generations and profoundly shaped the game.”
McGinley say people are “running out of patience” with WoodsAndrew Milligan/Press Association
Europe’s former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley had earlier said that patience with Woods is wearing thin.
“I think a lot of people are running out of patience now, including himself and his family from what he said yesterday,” McGinley said. “He realises the seriousness of the situation and I think it’s a line in the sand. He was probably upping his [painkiller] medication in order to get ready for the Masters. He was trying to put in the reps, put in the practice and obviously he’s flipped on the wrong side of it.”
McGinley believes that when Woods returns, his main role will be off the course. “ I don’t know how bought into the Ryder Cup he is, but I know he is bought into the PGA Tour,” McGinley said. “He’s a very important ally for [CEO] Brian Rolapp and the PGA Tour. There’s nobody better positioned to coerce players into a future for the Tour because they are all so much in awe of him.”
McGinley said that Woods had received more criticism for this latest crash than for “any kind of scandal that he’s been involved in”. He added: “I think everybody realises it’s the end of the road, this is the last chance saloon and he’s very fortunate that he’s not in bigger trouble than he seems to be.”
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