Tiger Woods has declined the opportunity to captain the United States team at the 2027 Ryder Cup, according to the PGA of America. Woods separately announced he is stepping away from golf to prioritize his health and wellbeing. The exact nature of the treatment Woods is seeking remains unknown.
Woods was involved in a car accident last week. According to multiple reports, he was arrested and spent eight hours in jail on Friday before being bailed. He pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the car crash, and formally skipped the initial court appearance on Tuesday but entered a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers and demanded a jury trial. The exact nature of the charges he is facing has not been disclosed, and the status of the legal proceedings, including the jury trial demand, is unclear.
According to a police affidavit, Woods was observed by investigating officers to be sweating profusely while acting lethargic and slow with eyes that were bloodshot and glassy. Woods admitted he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station in the moments before the crash and did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down. The cause of the accident beyond this admission of distraction is not yet determined.
Woods returned to competitive action for the first time in more than a year on the final night of play in the indoor TGL competition last Tuesday, according to multiple reports. However, he will not be playing at the Masters from April 9-12, as confirmed by Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley. The timeline for Woods' return to competitive golf is uncertain.
Multiple reports indicate Tiger Woods passed a breathalyser test for alcohol after the accident. In a social media post, Woods said he knows and understands the seriousness of the situation he finds himself in today. He also noted he is committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally, and requested privacy for his family, loved ones and himself at this time.