Tiger Woods won’t captain 2027 Ryder Cup team, golf future remains uncertain

Tiger Woods’ future in professional golf remains unclear as he seeks treatment after a rollover car crash last week.

Woods was arrested for a DUI after the accident in Jupiter Island, Florida, his second rollover in five years, and said in a statement on X that he would be stepping back from golf “to return to a healthier stronger, and more focused place.”

Woods did not provide a timeline for his return, only that he would be stepping away for a “period of time.”

On Wednesday, the PGA of America announced that Woods will no longer serve as captain of the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup Team.

“We support his decision,” the PGA of America said in a statement on X. “We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision.”

The latest developments leave Woods at least temporarily at the fringes of the sport that made him a household name. The golf community has rallied around the sport’s biggest star as he vows to “focus on his health,” and the PGA Tour said in a statement that Woods has the organization’s full support.

“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well‑being,” the tour said.

Off the course, Woods has been serving as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee since August. That group has been responsible for creating a vision for the future of professional golf.

A PGA Tour spokesperson said that Woods will return to that role when he is ready to do so.

Golf Channel analyst and former tour pro Brandel Chamblee suggested it could be time for Woods to consider retirement following his latest accident. Woods, 50, has been recovering from various injuries sustained in his car crash in 2021.

“Why would he need to play golf anymore?” Chamblee asked Friday on the Golf Channel’s “Golf Central.” “I think he should probably ask himself that. Consider not playing golf anymore.”

Until Friday’s accident, Woods held onto hope that he would compete in the upcoming Masters Tournament this month.

Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed this week that Woods would not play.

“Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta,” Ridley said. “Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being.”

TGR, Woods’ education foundation, said it remains committed to serving its students and communities.

“Our thoughts are with our founder as he takes the time needed to focus on his health,” its CEO Hrag Hamalian said in a statement.

Woods’ apparel brand, Sun Day Red, also voiced its support this week.

“He is not just our partner, he is our friend. We are here for him and we remain focused on the work we are building together,” the company said in a post on the Meta-owned Threads platform.

TGL, the indoor golf league founded by Woods and Rory McIlroy, declined to comment about Woods’ hiatus and potential return.

Woods made his first TGL playing appearance of the season for the Jupiter Links team last week in front of a notable audience. ESPN said nearly 1 million viewers tuned in to watch Woods’ return, making it the largest audience this season.