Tiger Woods has turned down the role of United States Ryder Cup captain next year in Ireland, the PGA of America has announced.
The 50-year-old was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after clipping a truck and rolling his car in Florida on Friday.
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Woods, who was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, submitted a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers on Tuesday.
Following the crash, the 15-time major champion said he is stepping away from professional golf to seek treatment and concentrate on his health.
He has been given permission by a judge to seek treatment overseas.
“We commend Tiger for prioritising his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision,” the PGA of America said.
The organisation added it stands in full support of Woods and has “sincere hope for his strength, comfort, and recovery”, and will share further updates on the future captaincy “when appropriate”.
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Woods has competed at the Ryder Cup eight times for the USA, with his first appearance in 1997 and last in 2018. However, he has only won the biennial showpiece once in 1999 – at Brookline in Massachusetts.
The 2027 Ryder Cup between the US and Europe will take place at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, from 17-19 September.
Keegan Bradley captained the US team at Bethpage Black last year and Woods was among the favourites to take the role next year.
When asked about the captaincy in recent months, Woods had said he was undecided.
Luke Donald’s third term as European captain for 2027 was confirmed last month.
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Following last week’s crash, authorities found two white pills in Woods’ pocket, which were identified as hydrocodone – an opioid used to treat pain.
Officers also reported he appeared “lethargic and slow” while “sweating profusely” with “extremely dilated” pupils, and that his “normal faculties were impaired”.
Woods has had multiple surgeries following a serious road accident in 2021 and has played only a limited schedule.
A Florida judge on Wednesday approved Woods’ request to leave the United States to seek treatment at a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility.
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Woods’ attorney Douglas Duncan said doctors have recommended an “intensive, highly individualised and medically integrated programme” for the golfer, away from the media and public scrutiny.
Duncan said the urgent level of care Woods needs cannot be safely done within the US, “as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised”.
‘People running out of patience’ – McGinley
Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley, speaking on Sky Sports, said once Woods’ health issues are under control he should focus his attentions on his role as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee.
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“A lot of people are running out of patience now, including himself and his family by all accounts from what he said yesterday. He realises the seriousness of the situation and I think it’s a line in the sand,” said McGinley.
“I don’t think it’s fair to write him off fully but it’s highly improbable that he wins another tournament again, never mind a major.”
On the role he believes Woods can play in the sport’s future, McGinley said: “He’s a very important ally for [chief executive] Brian Rolapp in terms of trying to herd everybody behind the PGA Tour’s future vision.
“There’s nobody better positioned to coerce players into a future for the tour than Tiger Woods because they are all so much in awe of them because of what he achieved as a golfer.”
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