Tiger Woods stripped of Ryder Cup captaincy as judge allows golfer to leave US for treatment

A Florida judge ruled on Wednesday that Tiger Woods may leave the United States to undergo "comprehensive inpatient treatment" following his recent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Woods's attorney, Douglas Duncan, submitted the motion in Martin County Court, citing the 50-year-old golfer's urgent need for an "intensive, highly individualised and medically integrated programme," as well as a requirement for privacy from intense media and public scrutiny. Judge Darren Steele granted the motion following a teleconference on the matter.

In the wake of a rollover car accident last Friday, Woods has confirmed he will "step away" from all golf-related activities. Consequently, the PGA of America confirmed on Wednesday that Woods will no longer captain the 2027 US Ryder Cup team.

Woods pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to misdemeanour charges of DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test. While a breathalyser test showed no alcohol in his system at the time of the crash, Woods reportedly refused a urine analysis.

In requesting the court's approval for international travel, Duncan stated that Woods’s doctor recommended a specific facility based on the "defendant’s complex clinical presentation." The motion argued that the required level of care cannot be safely or effectively provided within the United States due to repeated compromises of his privacy.

"Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment," Duncan stated.

The 15-time Major winner has battled debilitating injuries throughout his career. According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office accident report, Woods informed officers he has undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg, noting a persistent limp and a seizing ankle.

While Woods initially told officers he was distracted by his mobile phone and the radio, deputies described his movements as "lethargic and slow," noting his eyes were "bloodshot and glassy." The report further alleged that Woods was found with two hydrocodone pills — an opioid painkiller — and appeared unable to safely operate a vehicle.

This is not Woods's first encounter with such charges. In 2017, he was arrested after being found asleep at the wheel; he later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, attributing the incident to a mix of prescription painkillers. In February 2021, he survived another serious rollover crash in California that resulted in multiple compound fractures.

Woods, who underwent surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 and a further back procedure in October, has not competed in a top-level event since the 2024 Open Championship. Despite his competitive hiatus, he has served as chair of the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee.

"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health," Woods said in a statement. "This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."

The golfing world has offered swift support. PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley both released statements backing Woods’s decision.

"Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta," Ridley said of the five-time Masters champion. The PGA of America added: "We commend Tiger for prioritising his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision."

AFP