Tiger Woods won’t captain the U.S. Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, but that doesn’t mean he’ll never lead the team.
Woods released a statement that was read by PGA of America Senior Director Julius Mason Tuesday during newly appointed captain Keegan Bradley’s press conference.
“With my new responsibilities to the Tour and time commitments involved, I felt like I would not be able to commit the time to Team USA and the players required as a captain,” the statement read. “That does not mean I wouldn’t want to captain a team in the future. If and when I feel it is the right time, I will put my hat in the ring for this committee to decide.”
Woods, 48, was the favorite to be named the 2025 U.S. captain, having won the 2002 U.S. Open on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York. He was asked during his major championship press conferences this year if he would accept the job, but repeatedly said a decision had not been made.
The 2027 edition of the biennial matches will be held at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland. Woods has a longtime business and personal relationship with Adare Manor owner J.P. McManus.
As for any role on the 2025 team, such as a vice captain, Woods has an open invitation from Bradley.
“As it comes to Tiger, I have told him he can be as involved as he wants to be,” said Bradley, who added that he has spoken to Woods often since learning of his captaincy two weeks ago, including Tuesday morning.
“I’ve been grateful — before I accepted this job, I needed to talk to Tiger and I wanted to make sure — I wanted to hear from him. We had a great conversation. I certainly need his input.”
