Tiger Woods has reportedly taken himself out of the running for the 2025 Ryder Cup captaincy position - a decision that, while surprising, was necessary .
According to The Telegraph , Woods turned down the chance to captain Team USA at next year’s Ryder Cup, one day before the PGA of America is expected to announce who will be taking over the role in lieu of Zach Johnson. Per the report, he was willing to lead his countrymen in the annual biennial competition at Bethpage in 2025, though only if the organization reduced the grueling obligations that are associated with the job.
Ahead of the PGA Championship back in May, Woods cast doubt on his future involvement in the Ryder Cup. The 48-year-old revealed that he'd recently discussed taking on the USA captaincy role with PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, but was unsure if he could balance the demanding duty with his other commitments.
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“We're still talking. There's nothing that has been confirmed yet,” he told reporters at Valhalla. “We're still working on what that might look like. Also whether or not I have the time to do it. I'm dedicating so much time to what we're doing with the PGA Tour, I don't want to not fulfill the role of the captaincy if I can't do it.”
As a board member on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises, as well as the Tour’s transaction committee, Woods has played an integral part in ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the backers of LIV Golf. Over one year since the rival circuits reached a framework agreement - appearing to mark the reunification of men’s golf - talks between the two sides have slowed to a crawl.
“What that all entails and representing Team USA and the commitments to the PGA of America, the players, and the fans and as I said, all of Team USA,” Woods added. “I need to feel that I can give the amount of time that it deserves.”
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Woods’ obligations off the greens and fairways aren’t the only thing he needs to focus on, either. The 15-time Major champion has struggled to get his game right as of late, having struggled mightily in the handful of tournaments he’s competed in this year.
At The Masters back in April, Woods finished in 60th place at 16-over 304, marking the highest 72-hole score he’s recorded in his decorated career. At the PGA Championship and U.S. Open in May and June, respectively, he failed to even make the cut.
Besides this year’s Majors, Woods has taken part in only one other event, the Genesis Invitational. But his time at Riviera Golf Course came to an unceremonious end after he was forced to withdraw from the second round of the tournament with influenza.
There are few other players who are more qualified than Woods to captain the Americans at next year’s Ryder Cup - but the legendary golfer’s focus on improving his game and reaching an agreement with LIV Golf take precedence.
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