Tiger Woods will not captain US Ryder Cup team for 2027 tournament in Ireland after stepping away from golf after car crash
The PGA of America stands in full support of Tiger Woods after 15-time major winner tells officials he will not be USA captain for 2027 matches in Ireland; Woods has stepped away from golf indefinitely after his latest car crash
Wednesday 1 April 2026 23:32, UK
Tiger Woods has told the PGA of America he will not captain the US Ryder Cup team in 2027, following his decision to take a break from golf after his car crash.
The decision announced on Wednesday by the PGA of America was expected considering recent developments involving Woods.
He was arrested Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence during a car crash near his home in South Florida. Woods entered a plea of not guilty on Tuesday and posted a statement later that said he was stepping away indefinitely.
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"This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," he said in a social media post.
Prior to his car crash, Woods was the favourite to lead the US team in next year's matches at Adare Manor in Ireland.
"The PGA of America stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and well-being," the association's statement read. "During this time, we are keeping Tiger in our thoughts and prayers, with sincere hope for his strength, comfort, and recovery."
It added: "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."
Luke Donald was announced last month as Europe's Ryder Cup captain for the third consecutive term.
Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley believes people are running out of patience with Woods as he is in the "last-chance saloon" in terms of his golfing career.
McGinley, who is part of Sky Sports' coverage of next week's Masters, said it was unlikely the 50-year-old Woods would win a tournament on any of the main tours again and would be better suited to enhancing his current administrative role as chairman of the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee.
Woods remained optimistic of challenging for another major victory during his most recent appearance at Augusta National in 2024, only to card a third-round 82 - the worst round of his major career as a professional - and finish last of those who made the weekend.
"I think a lot of people are hanging on thinking like that [him contending again]," former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart told Sky Sports News. "The man's into his fifties now. He's seen it all, he's done it all.
"It's like watching the old boxing champions, the legends of old, returning to the ring when really their body has just been through absolutely everything. I don't think we're ever going to see that [him challenge] again, but let's be fair to him - everybody's allowed to get old!"
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