Tiger Woods reiterates his stance on declining Ryder Cup captaincy: "I have a few things that we need to get handled"

Tiger Woods recently reiterated his thought process behind not taking up Ryder Cup Captaincy. The former World No.1 and one of the greatest golfers shared his thoughts during the 2024 Hero World Challenge on Sunday, December 8.

Woods was the US playing captain at the 2019 Presidents Cup and was the top contender to take on the responsibility at the 2025 Ryder Cup. However, earlier this year, he said he "would not be able to commit the time to Team USA" because of the new responsibilities.

Reiterating his position about the captaincy, Tiger Woods said (via the Golfing Gazette):

"There was quite a bit of talk! I have a few things going on with boards that we need to get handled."

In July, Reuters reported that Woods declined the opportunity to captain the U.S. team because of the negotiations between PGA Tour and LIV Golf. For the 2025 Ryder Cup, Keegan Bradley has been appointed as the playing captain. Talking about him, Woods said:

"To where he is from and what he has meant to the North East, it’s a natural fit. He is not really that old, so most of the guys he has played with and is playing a lot with. He has naturally been a very emotional, fiery and opinionated leader. I think he will do really well at Bethpage."

Tiger Woods further praised Bradley and adjudged him fit for the role.

"He could sneak himself in there and either get on the team and just do what I did and force himself as a pick! Was it ever [difficult], I had incredible guys and just did not sleep! There was quite a bit of jet lag but there was a lot of responsibility, as a player and as a captain, " Woods added.

Keegan Bradley has represented the US team in two Ryder Cups (2012 and 2014). He scored three points in 2012 and one point in 2014.

---

Tiger Woods believes the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage would be "amazing"

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, USA from September 26 to 28, 2025. The venue has held several prestigious golf tournaments in the recent past including the 2002 US Open, 2009 U.S. Open, 2012 The Barclays, 2016 The Barclays, and 2019 PGA Championship.

Tiger Woods won the 2002 US Open at Bethpage. Talking about the venue of the upcoming Ryder Cup, he said at the 2024 Hero World Challenge (via Golf Monthly):

"It's going to be amazing. It’s going to be incredible. Our fans are going to be so exciting. We’ve had US Opens there and they’ve been electric. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like when they turn up for a Ryder Cup. It’s going to be slightly biased."

Woods, who last competed at the 2024 Open Championship, also hinted at the possibility of appearing at the PNC Championship. In the past editions of the tournament, he has paired with his son Charlie.