Tiger Woods turns down Ryder Cup captaincy following his DUI arrest
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The US team will not have Tiger Woods as captain at the next Ryder Cup after Woods’ latest controversy.
Woods officially turned down the Ryder Cup captaincy on Wednesday as he stepped away from golf activities after pleading not guilty on suspicion of drunk driving. Woods’ SUV crashed into the back of a trailer on a residential road near his home on Florida’s Jupiter Island last week and came to rest on its side.
The PGA of America’s Ryder Cup decision was no surprise, given the past five chaotic days since Woods’ arrest on Friday.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
“The PGA of America fully supports Tiger Woods as he steps forward to focus on his health and well-being,” the statement said. “We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect his courage in making such a personal decision.”
The PGA of America added that it “shared with us” that Woods will not be captain.
Woods released a statement Tuesday night saying he would leave indefinitely “to receive treatment and focus on my health.”
A motion filed Wednesday by his attorney, Douglas Duncan, asked the judge to allow Woods to leave the country to begin “extensive inpatient treatment.”
Duncan said Woods’ doctor’s recommendation was based on the golfer’s “complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot be safely or effectively administered in the United States because his privacy has been repeatedly compromised.”
JOHNNY MANZIEL REACTS TO TIGER WOODS CRASH IN FLORIDA
“Constant medical scrutiny and public exposure pose significant barriers to his care and can result in disruptions and inability to fully participate in treatment.”
Martin County Court Judge Darren Steele approved the motion, which did not specify where the inpatient facility was located.
Woods checked into residential treatment at a clinic in Mississippi in January 2010 after being caught up in a series of extramarital affairs, and his manager said he sought treatment at another residential treatment clinic after his 2017 drunken-driving arrest.
“I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to a healthier, stronger and more focused place both personally and professionally,” Woods said in the statement.
Woods also turned down an offer to be Ryder Cup captain last time, waiting until the early summer of 2024 to tell the PGA of America he didn’t have time. This led to Keegan Bradley being selected just a year before the 2025 games in Long Island, New York, where Europe won.
Three players on the Ryder Cup committee (Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Bradley) are playing in the Masters, the first major of the year.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club waves to fans as he is introduced at the start of his TMRW Golf League (TGL) match against Boston Common Golf on January 27, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Luke Donald has agreed to captain Europe for the third consecutive year, having won the last two Ryder Cups. No captain has won three in a row.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
