Tiger Woods explains why he refused to captain the United States for the Ryder Cup
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Tiger Woods has revealed he turned down the opportunity to captain the US Ryder Cup at next year’s event due to time constraints and PGA Tour responsibilities. “Given my new responsibilities on tour and the time commitments that come with them, I felt I would not be able to devote the time necessary to Team USA and its players as captain,” Woods said in a statement to the PGA of America. “However, this does not mean that I would not want to captain the team in the future. When the time is right, I will throw my hat in the ring in front of this committee and make a decision,” he added.
Earlier Tuesday, Keegan Bradley was surprise named captain of Team USA for the 2025 tournament at Bethpage Black Stadium in New York. The United States is looking to avenge its crushing defeat to Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, and Luke Donald was re-elected as Europe’s captain in November.
The PGA’s decision was delayed by negotiations with Woods, and it was reported that they settled on Bradley, currently ranked 19th in the world. “I am incredibly honored to accept the opportunity to serve as captain of Team USA at the 2025 Ryder Cup,” the 38-year-old said in a statement. “My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event has never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other in the sport, and given the rich history of this iconic course and the passionate crowds, this one is sure to be special. I look forward to beginning preparations for 2025.”
Tiger Woods explains why he refused to captain the United States for the Ryder Cup
I would like to receive information about offers, events and updates from The Independent by email. Read our privacy policy
Tiger Woods has revealed he turned down the opportunity to captain the US Ryder Cup at next year’s event due to time constraints and PGA Tour responsibilities. “Given my new responsibilities on tour and the time commitments that come with them, I felt I would not be able to devote the time necessary to Team USA and its players as captain,” Woods said in a statement to the PGA of America.
“However, this does not mean that I would not want to captain the team in the future. When the time is right, I will throw my hat in the ring in front of this committee and make a decision,” he added. Earlier Tuesday, Keegan Bradley was surprise named captain of Team USA for the 2025 tournament at Bethpage Black Stadium in New York. The United States is looking to avenge its crushing defeat to Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, and Luke Donald was re-elected as Europe’s captain in November.
The PGA’s decision was delayed by negotiations with Woods, and it was reported that they settled on Bradley, currently ranked 19th in the world. “I am incredibly honored to accept the opportunity to serve as captain of Team USA at the 2025 Ryder Cup,” the 38-year-old said in a statement. “My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event has never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other in the sport, and given the rich history of this iconic course and the passionate crowds, this one is sure to be special. I look forward to beginning preparations for 2025.”
Woods, a 15-time major champion who has played in eight Ryder Cups, including most recently in 2018, had previously expressed concerns about the time commitment after reports emerged that he had turned down the opportunity to captain Team USA. “I put a lot of my time into my work on the PGA Tour, and I don’t want to be captain if I can’t do that,” he said at the PGA Championship in May. “With everything that comes with representing Team USA and giving to the PGA of America, the players and the fans, I need to feel like I can give it the time it deserves.”
Woods, a 15-time major champion who has played in eight Ryder Cups, including most recently in 2018, had previously expressed concerns about the time commitment after reports emerged that he had turned down the opportunity to captain Team USA.
“I put a lot of my time into my work on the PGA Tour, and I don’t want to be captain if I can’t do that,” he said at the PGA Championship in May. “With everything that comes with representing Team USA and giving to the PGA of America, the players and the fans, I need to feel like I can give it the time it deserves.”
