Tiger Woods Declines 2027 Ryder Cup Captaincy to Seek Inpatient Treatment Abroad

Tiger Woods declined the captaincy of the United States team for the 2027 Ryder Cup and announced an indefinite withdrawal from golf to seek inpatient treatment abroad, following his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence on March 27, 2026, near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida. The PGA of America confirmed the decision on April 1, stating it fully supported Woods as the 50-year-old prioritized his health and well-being. Martin County Court Judge Darren Steele approved a motion filed by Woods' attorney, Douglas Duncan, allowing the golfer to leave the United States for comprehensive inpatient treatment at a facility recommended by his physician. Woods had entered a not guilty plea to misdemeanor DUI charges on March 31, one day before the Ryder Cup announcement. Augusta National Golf Club confirmed Woods would not attend the 2026 Masters tournament, including the Champions Dinner scheduled for April 7.

Florida crash details emerge from arrest affidavit The arrest affidavit released after the March 27 crash described Woods as "sweating profusely," with "lethargic and slow" movements, "bloodshot and glassy" eyes, and "extremely dilated" pupils during field sobriety exercises. Woods told police he had been looking at his mobile phone and changing the radio station when his Land Rover clipped a truck in front of him that he had not seen slow down, causing the vehicle to roll over on a two-lane residential road. A breathalyzer test showed no signs of alcohol, but Woods refused a urinalysis test for other substances. Woods told officers he had taken "a few" prescription pills that morning, with the names of the medications redacted in the affidavit. A Martin County Sheriff's deputy found two hydrocodone pills in Woods' left pants pocket. Sheriff John M. Budensiek stated at a press conference that Woods appeared "lethargic" and showed "signs of impairment," and that authorities believed he was not impaired by alcohol but "possibly by medication or another substance." No one was injured in the crash. Hydrocodone was among the substances found on Woods at the time of his arrest.

Judge clears Woods to seek treatment outside the United States Attorney Douglas Duncan argued in his motion that Woods' privacy had been "repeatedly compromised" in the United States, creating barriers to his recovery, and that "ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment." Judge Steele granted the motion without specifying the location of the treatment facility. Duncan described the recommended program as an "intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program" that would provide "continuous monitoring and the ability to quickly adjust treatment interventions in a highly controlled environment." Woods' next court appearance was scheduled for May 5, and court documents showed he had requested a jury trial. In his own statement posted on social media on March 31, Woods wrote that he was aware of the gravity of his situation and committed to returning "in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally." „This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.” — Tiger Woods via AP News

Trump praises Woods as Ryder Cup captaincy search resumes U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to Reuters in an interview on April 1, praised Woods' decision to seek treatment. „He's one of the greatest people I've known. He's a great champion... he'll be fine.” — Donald Trump via Reuters Trump, who had played golf with Woods at his West Palm Beach club the previous month, described the golfer as "a great guy" and said he would "end up being terrific." The PGA of America said it would provide further updates on the captaincy "when appropriate," leaving the question of who will lead the American team at the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland unresolved. Woods had previously served as playing captain during the 2019 Presidents Cup. The Reuters report also noted that Trump had met with Woods in Washington in an effort to resolve an ongoing dispute in professional golf between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. Woods is in a relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr., which the golfer announced in March 2025.

Woods was previously arrested on a DUI charge in Jupiter Island in May 2017 and eventually pleaded guilty to reckless driving, receiving one year of probation, a $250 fine, and 50 hours of community service. His attorney Douglas Duncan represented him in that case as well. Woods suffered a serious leg injury in a separate car accident in 2021. He last competed in a professional tournament on July 19, 2024, at the British Open at Royal Troon, where he missed the cut. In the period since that tournament, he underwent surgery on three occasions — twice for back problems and once after tearing his left Achilles tendon.

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