Tiger Woods makes major Ryder Cup announcement

If you were anticipating Tiger Woods’ return to the Ryder Cup next year, prepare to be disappointed. Despite circulating rumors that Woods would take on the role of Ryder Cup captain, he has reportedly declined the position.

On Monday, Keegan Bradley was announced as Team USA’s captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Bradley, a six-time Tour champion, was not part of the team in the previous year’s competition, where the Europeans soundly defeated the Americans in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.

“I am incredibly honored to accept this opportunity to Captain the United States Team at the 2025 Ryder Cup,” Bradley, the 2011 PGA Championship victor, said in a statement to the PGA of America. “My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particularly special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course. I look forward to beginning preparations for 2025.”

John Lindert, President of the PGA of America, expressed his satisfaction with the choice of captain.

“I am proud and excited to name Keegan Bradley as Captain of the 2025 United States Ryder Cup Team,” said Lindert. “Keegan’s past Ryder Cup experience, strong relationships, and unwavering passion for this event will prove invaluable as he guides the U.S. Team over the next year and a half. We are confident that with Keegan at the helm, the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup Team will compete at Bethpage with the same confidence and determination that has defined his career.”

The announcement of Woods as captain would have been a significant boost for the American team, given his status as a 15-time major champion and his role in the 2019 Ryder Cup victory. However, reports indicate that Woods turned down the captaincy due to his busy schedule and his involvement in negotiations between LIV Golf and the PGA.

Woods has stated that he is “dedicating so much time” to facilitating peace talks between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. “I don’t want to fulfill the role of the captaincy if I can’t do it,” he added.

In addition to these commitments, Woods has recently announced a new venture with Justin Timberlake. The duo plans to open a sports bar near the St. Andrews Golf Course, renowned for hosting several British Open Championships.

Moreover, Woods has a new golf venture with Rory McIlroy, set to launch in January 2025, adding to his already full schedule. Interestingly, despite Woods’ decision, the American team chose not to appoint another veteran like Phil Mickelson as captain.

Although Mickelson is heavily involved with LIV Golf, having someone with his experience could have been beneficial for the team and would have demonstrated a willingness to put aside differences for the sake of victory. However, the lingering tensions between the two tours make such a reconciliation unlikely until their merger is finalized.