Miami (AFP) – Tiger Woods has turned down the captaincy of the 2027 US Ryder Cup team as he steps away from golf-related activities to focus on his health, the PGA of America said Wednesday. Woods was arrested on Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence after a rollover car crash near his Florida home.
“We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision,” the PGA of America said in a statement. On Tuesday, Woods pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test stemming from Friday’s crash. He later issued a statement saying he was “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.” A breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system, but he refused a urine analysis after the crash, and officers at the scene judged him to be impaired.
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The PGA of America, which organizes the US team for the biennial USA-Europe match play showdown, said it “stands in full support” of Woods, calling him “an enduring part of the PGA of America family.” Woods, 50, confirmed in February that the PGA of America had reached out to him about captaining the US team for next year’s Ryder Cup matches at Adare Manor in Ireland. Woods said at that time he had not yet made up his mind.
Europe have won the past two Ryder Cups, including last year’s edition at Bethpage Black in New York. The United States haven’t lifted the trophy on European soil since 1993.
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