Tiger Woods has told the PGA of America he will not serve as captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027, after saying he is stepping away from golf to focus on his health following a recent car crash. The PGA of America said Woods informed them of his decision and that the organization supports his choice to prioritize recovery, adding it will provide updates on captaincy plans when appropriate.
Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after the crash near his South Florida home and has entered a not-guilty plea. He subsequently posted that he would step away from the game indefinitely to “prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
Prior to these events, Woods had been the favorite to captain the U.S. side at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027. His withdrawal removes that frontrunner option and leaves the PGA of America to select an alternative leader for the team.
Responses from the golf community were mixed. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley suggested public patience with Woods’ playing career may be limited and noted Woods could expand his off-course contributions, pointing to roles such as his chairmanship of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee. Former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart observed that, approaching 50, Woods has endured a long career and that a competitive comeback appears unlikely, while acknowledging everyone has a right to age.
Woods’ recent form has fueled questions about a return to top-level competition; at the 2024 Masters he posted a third-round 82, the worst round of his major championship career. Meanwhile, Europe announced Luke Donald as its Ryder Cup captain last month for a third consecutive term. The PGA of America said it will announce details on the U.S. captaincy in due course.