Tiger Woods turns down Ryder Cup captaincy as he is granted permission to leave US | Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods has turned down the opportunity to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America announced.
The former world number 1’s decision comes after he announced he would be stepping away from golf for a period of time to focus on his health and wellbeing. Woods was charged with driving under the influence after being involved in a car accident last week.
A statement read: “We commend Tiger for prioritizing 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 U.S. Ryder Cup team and we support his decision. The PGA of America will share further updates regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy as appropriate.”
Woods, a 15-time major winner, was the favorite to take over the United States’ role at the Irish resort of Adare Manor, which is owned by his longtime friend and associate JP McManus. The events of last Friday, however, changed the situation, with Woods emerging unscathed from an accident in which he hit a trailer he was trying to overtake and caused his Land Rover to roll.
Police reported he showed signs of impairment, and investigators found two white pills identified as hydrocodone — a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain — during a search of his vehicle. It was the fourth time he had been involved in a road accident since 2009.
Woods has undergone numerous surgeries throughout his career, many on his leg and ankle since suffering multiple injuries in a serious accident in 2021.
The 50-year-old was granted a request Wednesday from a Florida judge to allow him to leave the United States and enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment center while he faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence.
Martin County Court Judge Darren Steele granted the travel request made by Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, who cited the golf superstar’s need for an “intensive, highly individualized, medically integrated program” away from media and public scrutiny.
“Based on Defendant’s treating physician, the recommendation of an overseas treatment facility is based on Defendant’s complex clinical presentation and urgent need for a level of care that cannot be provided safely or effectively in the United States because his privacy has been repeatedly compromised,” Duncan’s motion states.
“Continued medical examination and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would lead to setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment. »
