Tiger Woods makes Ryder Cup decision as Donald Trump shares heartbreaking news

Callum Vurley
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:29:14 +0000

Tiger Woods has turned down the opportunity to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America has announced.

It comes after President Donald Trump revealed he had spoken directly with Woods following the golfer's arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in Florida last week.

In a telephone conversation with the New York Post, the President offered his assessment of the 50-year-old's condition.

"I think he's doing great, he's doing good," Trump stated.

However, the President acknowledged the physical toll that years of injury have taken on the legendary sportsman.

"He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain," Trump remarked, describing Woods as "an amazing guy" and "an amazing athlete."

The President emphasised that Woods' struggles stem from physical ailments rather than substance misuse, noting: "He doesn't have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain."

The incident occurred on 27 March in Jupiter Island, when Woods' vehicle rolled over during a two-car collision on Beach Road shortly after 2pm local time.

Neither Woods nor the other motorist sustained injuries in the crash.

A breathalyser examination confirmed no alcohol was present in the golfer's system.

Nevertheless, Woods declined to provide a urine sample, which can identify prescription drugs and illicit substances.

According to the probable cause affidavit released by Martin County Sheriff's Office, investigators discovered two hydrocodone tablets bearing the marking 'M367' in Woods' trouser pocket.

A Drug Recognition Expert at the scene concluded that Woods' impairment appeared to result from "some kind of medication or drug."

Woods informed investigators that he had taken prescription medication prior to the incident.

The probable cause affidavit reveals the extent of the golfer's physical deterioration, with Woods disclosing he has undergone seven surgical procedures on his back and more than 20 operations on his leg.

Hydrocodone, the medication found in his possession, is an opioid prescribed for severe and persistent pain.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this particular drug is typically administered only when alternative pain relief options have proved ineffective or cannot be tolerated by the patient.

Trump referenced these ongoing physical challenges, stating Woods "is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg."

Woods' recent arrest marks the latest in a troubling pattern of incidents behind the wheel.

In 2017, the golfer faced a previous arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Four years later, in 2021, he sustained severe injuries when his Genesis SUV crossed the central reservation at high speed and overturned, necessitating surgery and an extended rehabilitation period.

His driving troubles extend back further still, to 2009, when authorities cited him for careless driving after his vehicle struck a fire hydrant and tree outside his Florida residence.

Following his latest arrest, Woods spent eight hours in Martin County Jail, the mandatory detention period under Florida law for DUI charges.