Tiger Woods didn’t specify how long he’ll be away from golf when the 15-time major winner announced Tuesday that he’s stepping away to seek treatment following last week’s rollover crash, but he’s already informed the PGA of America that he won’t captain the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
“We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision,” the organization said in a statement Wednesday.
“The PGA of America will share further updates regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy when appropriate.”
After his wreck in Jupiter Island, Florida, Woods, 50, was found with two hydrocodone pills in his left pant pocket, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opioid prescribed to treat pain, was the drug found in Woods’ system in May 2017 when he was arrested on DUI charges, as reported by ESPN.
Woods, who blew a 0.00 on a breathalyzer test last Friday, was ultimately charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, as he refused a urine test at Martin County Jail. He has entered a plea of not guilty in his DUI case, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote in a statement he posted to X on Tuesday.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
In 2021, Woods suffered serious injuries to his right leg from a single-car rollover crash in Southern California.
On Wednesday, a Florida judge granted Woods permission to leave the U.S. so he can enter an inpatient treatment facility, ESPN reported, citing court records.
The probable cause affidavit released Tuesday revealed that Woods told Martin County police that he was looking at his phone and changing a radio station when his Range Rover collided with a slower-moving pickup truck’s trailer around 2 p.m. last Friday and rolled onto its driver’s side.
There were no injuries, but Woods showed “several signs of impairment” and appeared “lethargic” at the scene, according to officers.
Three days before the crash, he made his return to competitive golf. Woods played with his Jupiter Links Golf Club team in the TGL indoor golf final. His last PGA Tour outing was the 2024 British Open. He had surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles in March 2025, and then he had a procedure for a lumbar disc replacement this past October.
As expected, the Masters quickly confirmed on Tuesday that Woods won’t be making his return to Augusta National this year.
The 2027 Ryder Cup, meanwhile, will be played at Adare Manor in Ireland. Europe, which will again be captained by Luke Donald for the event in 2027, has won the past two Ryder Cups.
Keegan Bradley captained the U.S. team at Bethpage Black in Long Island back in September.