Tiger Woods will ‘throw hat in ring’ for 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy

Keegan Bradley’s left field Ryder Cup appointment was thanks to one man: Tiger Woods.

The fifteen-time major champion was expected to lead Team USA into the match next year but cited ‘new responsibilities’ as the reason for turning down the offer.

“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,” he wrote, in a statement.

Now, speaking ahead of the Open at Royal Troon, the 48-year-old has reaffirmed his hopes to acquire the leadership role in the near future.

• The Open: Round 1 tee times in full

• Jon Rahm in ‘conversations’ over Ryder Cup situation

“As I said, I’ll put my hat in the ring again when I have more time and I feel like I can devote myself to a Ryder Cup,” Woods said.

“As of right now, I’ve got so many different things I’m juggling and trying to get right at the same time for all the players that are a part of the PGA Tour.

“It’s one of those things where you just can’t get it wrong.”

Speculation is rife over when that time will come, with the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, in Ireland, a standout option.

Responding to those suggestions, Woods sent a message to his friend JP McManus – who owns the venue – with their relationship a leading factor behind potential motivation for Woods.

“I know it’s near and dear to his heart that he wants to be there for the event, and I hope he is there, obviously the conditions that he’s going through, I hope he’s there, and I hope he’s healthy and happy,” Woods said.

• Tiger Woods blasts back at Colin Montgomerie

• R&A pays tribute to Ivor Robson at Royal Troon

Meanwhile, the three-time Open champion was the top US points scorer when the Ryder Cup was last played in Ireland at the K Club in 2006.

Woods recalled his first match against Darren Clarke, which was an emotional encounter following the recent death of Clarke’s wife.

“We had a fun week as a team,” Woods said. “Unfortunately, we lost. I played the first match against Darren after he had just lost Heather, so that was very emotional.

“Darren and I have been very close. It was tough to lose that match, but I couldn’t have been happier and more tearful myself for him for what that match meant and what the Irish crowd meant to him and the energy they brought to him during that difficult period.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.