Tiger Woods ‘REJECTS USA Ryder Cup captaincy’

On Monday morning, it was announced that the PGA of America would reveal the Team USA captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at noon ET on Tuesday, sparking hope among fans that Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion, would take on the role. However, according to The Telegraph, Woods, aged 48, has declined the opportunity to lead the Americans in the next year’s Ryder Cup in New York.

Woods was open to the possibility of accepting the captaincy if the PGA of America could reduce the usual commitments required for the position. Unfortunately, the legendary golfer, who captained the US team in the 2019 Presidents Cup, and the organization could not reach a compromise.

The golf icon expressed doubts about assuming the US Ryder Cup captaincy, citing concerns about the ongoing political complexities surrounding golf. Woods confirmed at the US PGA Championship that discussions with the PGA of America were still ongoing, but he expressed caution about the possibility of succeeding Zach Johnson for the 2025 Ryder Cup against Europe in New York.

“We’re still talking,” Woods stated. “There’s nothing confirmed yet. We’re still working on what that might look like and whether I have the time to do it. I’m dedicating a lot of time to the PGA Tour negotiations, and I don’t want to commit to the captaincy if I can’t fulfill the role.”

Woods emphasized the importance of being able to fully commit to the responsibilities of the captaincy, including representing Team USA and meeting the obligations to the PGA of America, the players, and the fans.

In contrast to the uncertain US situation, Europe has had Luke Donald as captain since November, and he has already conducted a reconnaissance trip to the Bethpage Black course, as revealed by Mail Sport last month.

Woods’s primary focus remains on the ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) concerning the PGA Tour. The slow-moving negotiations appear far from a resolution, especially following the resignation of Jimmy Dunne from the Tour’s policy board on Monday. Dunne, who played a key role in brokering the initial ‘framework agreement’ with the PIF last June, cited the increased influence of players on the policy board—Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, and Peter Malnati—as a factor in his decision to step down.

Woods commented on the negotiations with PIF, stating, “We’re working on negotiations with PIF. It’s ongoing and fluid. There has been progress, but it’s an ongoing process with a lot of work ahead. We’re making steps, though they may not be giant.”

When asked about his stance on a potential deal with the Saudis, Woods refrained from providing a direct answer, leaving many in the golf community to speculate about his position.

Jordan Spieth, addressing the notion that players have gained too much power in the negotiation process, disagreed with the claim. “If you’re in the room, it’s clear that players are not dictating the future of golf and the PGA Tour,” Spieth said. “There are strategic investors who know much more than any of us players. It’s a false narrative that players are making all the decisions. I believe everyone is working towards a common goal to ensure a stable future for golf.”

As negotiations continue and the search for a suitable US Ryder Cup captain persists, Woods remains focused on the broader issues affecting the sport.