Tiger Woods Misses Masters and Steps Down as Ryder Cup Captain

Tiger Woods has announced that he will not participate in next week’s Masters tournament, nor will he serve as the captain for the Ryder Cup next year.

The legendary golfer plans to leave the U.S. for medical treatment following a recent car accident and DUI arrest in Florida. He has informed the PGA of his decision not to lead the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027.

A source from the golf community confirmed, “Tiger has let us know he will not be captaining the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027 and we fully support his choice.” This statement was made public on Wednesday.

Earlier that day, Woods received approval to pursue “comprehensive inpatient treatment” overseas, citing the need for privacy as a reason.

On Friday, Woods was involved in a rollover crash close to his home in Jupiter, Florida. Police described him as “sweating profusely” and at times “lethargic and slow.” They found him with two hydrocodone tablets. He passed a breathalyzer test but declined to take a urine test.

He pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge but later acknowledged the “seriousness of my situation,” expressing his intention to step back to “receive treatment and focus on my health.”

This incident marks the fourth known crash involving the 50-year-old golfer, and it’s the first serious accident since a 2021 incident that nearly ended his career due to multiple leg injuries.

The Masters chairman, Fred Ridley, confirmed on Tuesday that Woods will not be taking part in next week’s festivities at Augusta.

The golf community has shown considerable support for the 15-time major champion, with the PGA also expressing its backing. “The PGA fully supports Tiger Woods as he steps back to prioritize his health and well-being. We hold him in our thoughts and prayers during this time and wish him strength and recovery,” they stated.

In the world of golf, Tiger holds immense significance. “We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and we respect the courage it took to make such a personal decision,” officials remarked.