Tiger Woods was reportedly offered the captaincy role for next year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, only to turn it down, with Keegan Bradley eventually getting the nod
Tiger Woods’ decision to decline the captaincy role for next year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black could well benefit Team USA.
Woods was widely expected to lead the American team in the New York clash in 2025, as they seek redemption after their loss to Team Europe in Italy under Zach Johnson’s leadership last October. Many hoped that Woods’ legacy would help reverse their fortunes on their return to home turf.
However, Team USA will not have the golfing legend at the helm at Bethpage, as the 48-year-old opted to decline the offer from the PGA of America, according to The Telegraph.
PGA Tour star Keegan Bradley has been announced as captain, nine months after he was overlooked as a player for the 2023 team by his predecessor Johnson. Despite missing out on the expertise of arguably golf’s greatest-ever player, Woods’ absence may prove to be a silver lining.
The Ryder Cup captaincy undoubtedly carries a lot of responsibility, and Bradley’s preparations are already underway to ensure his team is in top form for next September. It is anticipated that Bradley’s playing career will take a slight back seat now that he has taken on the role with the PGA of America.
Woods meanwhile is juggling more than just his on-course game, having become deeply involved in the PGA Tour’s negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). At May’s PGA Championship, Woods hinted at the complexity of taking the US captaincy.
Tiger Woods has a rich history with the Ryder Cup
“We’re still talking,” he claimed. “There’s nothing that has been confirmed yet. 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.”
He further elaborated on the demands of representing Team USA and his commitments, stating: “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. I need to feel that I can give the amount of time that it deserves.”
This insight may have influenced the PGA of America’s decision-making process. Additionally, despite his impressive individual achievements, Woods’ Ryder Cup record does not match up. With only one win out of eight appearances, and a personal match record of 13 wins, 21 losses, and three halves, his performance in Team USA colou rs has failed to mirror his solo success.
