Tiger Woods has officially declined the role of captain for the Ryder Cup, as he takes a step back from golf activities. Meanwhile, a judge in Florida has authorised his request to travel abroad for treatment.
This news comes shortly after Woods entered a not guilty plea related to allegations of driving under the influence. His SUV was involved in an incident where it collided with a trailer and overturned on a residential street close to his residence in Jupiter Island, Florida.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Woods announced he would step away indefinitely “to seek treatment and prioritise my health.”
His attorney, Douglas Duncan, filed a motion requesting permission for Woods to leave the country for “extensive inpatient treatment.”
Duncan explained that the golfer’s physician recommended this course of action due to Woods’ “complex clinical situation and the immediate need for a level of care that cannot be safely or effectively provided within the United States, where his privacy has been continually compromised.
Tiger Woods at the British Open. Getty
“Continuous medical scrutiny and public exposure present substantial obstacles to his care, potentially leading to setbacks and hindering his ability to fully participate in treatment,” he added.
Judge Darren Steele from Martin County approved the request, although the motion did not specify the location of the inpatient treatment facility.
Previously, Woods sought treatment at an inpatient clinic in Mississippi in January 2010 following revelations of numerous extramarital affairs. He also pursued treatment at another facility following his DUI arrest in 2017.
“I am dedicated to taking the necessary time to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused state, both personally and in my professional life,” Woods stated.
The decision by the PGA of America regarding the Ryder Cup was anticipated given the recent turbulent events surrounding Woods since his arrest on Saturday.
“The PGA of America completely supports Tiger Woods as he prioritises his health and well-being,” the organisation stated. “We commend Tiger for putting his long-term health first and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision.”
The PGA also confirmed that Woods has communicated his decision not to take up the captaincy.
Tiger Woods after his recent car incident and at his Tomorrow Golf League. Nine
Woods had previously declined an offer to captain the Ryder Cup, deferring his decision until summer 2024, which led to Keegan Bradley being named captain just over a year before the 2025 matches held on Long Island, New York, where Europe emerged victorious.
In February, the Associated Press reported that the PGA had set an informal deadline for the end of March for Woods to make a decision to expedite the process.
The PGA has stated it will provide additional updates “when suitable.”
It was also noted that the Ryder Cup committee has a backup plan, featuring a shortlist of four potential candidates should an arrangement with Woods not materialise.
Discussions and interviews regarding this matter are likely to occur after the upcoming Masters tournament.
Three members of the Ryder Cup committee — Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Bradley — are slated to participate in the Masters, which is the first major tournament of the year.
Luke Donald has already confirmed his role as captain for Europe for a third consecutive time, following two recent Ryder Cup victories. No captain has ever achieved three consecutive wins.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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