Tiger Woods 'rejects' chance to captain Team USA at Ryder Cup in unexpected move

Tiger Woods has reportedly turned down the chance to serve as captain of Team USA at the Ryder Cup in 2025. News of his unexpected decision comes one day before the PGA of America is set to announce who will be taking over the captaincy role for the Americans.

According to The Telegraph, Woods was willing to captain USA at the Ryder Cup next year, though only if the PGA of America reduced the grueling obligations that are associated with the position. After the organization - which governs the US team at the annual biennial competition - failed to meet the legendary golfer's demands, it reportedly turned its attention to one of Stewart Cink, Fred Couples and Davis Love III for the role.

Back in May, Woods cast doubt on his future involvement in the Ryder Cup ahead of the PGA Championship. Speaking to reporters at Valhalla, the 48-year-old revealed that he'd recently discussed assuming the USA captaincy position with PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, but was unsure if he could fit the demanding commitment into his already loaded schedule.

“We're still talking. There's nothing that has been confirmed yet,” he said. “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.”

• LIV Golf star goes against the grain and risks irking new employers after leaving PGA Tour

• Tiger Woods facing wrath of St Andrews as plan to take over old building gets green light

Woods actively serves as a board member on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises, as well as the Tour’s transaction committee. As such, much of his time off the greens and fairways has been spent at the negotiation table with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the backers of LIV Golf. 13 months since the rival circuits reached a framework agreement - seemingly marking the reunification of men’s golf - talks between the two sides have come to a crawl with no end in sight.

“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.”

Back in 2019, Woods captained the United States at the Presidents Cup, leading the Stars and Stripes to a thrilling comeback victory at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Over his decorated career, he's made eight Ryder Cup appearances, amassing a 13-21-3 record.

With Woods no longer in the mix for the captain job, Cink appears to be the most likely player to take over the role in lieu of Zach Johnson. The 51-year-old served as vice-captain for the first time at the 2023 Ryder Cup and is well-versed in how the event operates.

The Europeans, meanwhile, announced last December that Luke Donald would be retaining his captaincy postition at next year's Ryder Cup. While the 46-year-old and Europe are the defending champions, the USA has won three of the last four Ryder Cups held stateside.