Once considered a near-lock to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, Tiger Woods is now passing on the opportunity after his DUI arrest on Friday, March 27.
Woods had never publicly accepted the job, but was considered the front-runner in the clubhouse. Woods was even asked about whether he would take the captaincy during a press conference at the Genesis Invitational. However, amid the ongoing DUI case, and his Tuesday statement that he was stepping away from golf and seeking treatment, he has also told the PGA of America to start looking for someone else.
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In a statement Wednesday, the PGA of America said, “The PGA of America stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and well-being.”
“Tiger has shared with us that he will not serve as Captain of the 2027 Ryder Cup Team and we support his decision. The PGA of America will share further updates regarding the Ryder Cup Captaincy when appropriate,” the organization added.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after a car crash in Florida on Friday, March 27, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said. Woods and the other driver involved in the two-car crash were not injured. Photos release by Martin County Sheriff’s Office show the scene of the crash.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after a car crash in Florida on Friday, March 27, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said. Woods and the other driver involved in the two-car crash were not injured. Photos release by Martin County Sheriff’s Office show the scene of the crash.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
The crash took place in Jupiter Island, Florida. Mark Steinberg, Woods’ longtime agent, did not immediately respond to a request for information about Woods’ condition.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
Woods and the other driver involved in the two-car crash were not injured, authorities said during a news conference on Friday, March 27.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. local time in the 200 block of Beach Road.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) on the scene believes Woods’ impairment stemmed from “some kind of medication or drug,’’ according to the sheriff. While a breath test showed that Woods was not under the influence of alcohol, he refused a urinalysis test and was charged with the misdemeanor.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek speaks about Tiger Woods’ rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026 at Jupiter Island Town Hall.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. local time in the 200 block of Beach Road.
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Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek speaks about Tiger Woods’ rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026 at Jupiter Island Town Hall.
Who will captain U.S. at 2027 Ryder Cup?
It is currently unclear who will captain the team now that Woods has stepped away. However, given Woods’ involvement with the PGA Tour, specifically the Future Competition Committee, it’s likely that the PGA of America already had a few other names in mind.
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In December 2025, Golf Channel listed Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson, and Brandt Snedeker as potential captains. They also noted that 2025 captain Keegan Bradley has expressed interest in returning as the U.S. captain in Ireland, but even Bradley admitted that it was unlikely.
Who will captain the European team?
In early March, it was announced that Luke Donald would return for a third term as the Team Europe captain. Donald has led Team Europe to consecutive Ryder Cup victories, their first back-to-back victories since winning three straight in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tiger Woods will not captain USA 2027 Ryder Cup team
