Tiger Woods was a glaring absence from this year’s Ryder Cup, but there is some speculation over the golfing legend’s return for the next edition of the tournament as we take a look at his new lifeMathew Davies Sport content editor and Kasra Moradi Senior Sports Journalist
10:25, 29 Sep 2025
Tiger Woods was not seen at the Ryder Cup(Image: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Ryder Cup reached its thrilling conclusion in New York on Sunday, with Team Europe successfully defending their crown in hostile territory.
Despite the best efforts of the rowdy crowd and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood emerged victorious at Bethpage Black. Europe, under Luke Donald’s captaincy, carried a record-breaking 11.5-4.5 advantage into the final day’s singles clashes, requiring just three points to triumph away from home for the first time since 2012.
But they faced a huge scare as the Americans almost pulled off a miraculous comeback on the final day. Ludvig Aberg was the only Team Europe star to win his match, which ultimately helped them claim a famous 15-13 victory.
Attention is already turning to 2027 and the return of golf’s most prestigious team competition to European soil. And who better to help the US return to winning ways than possibly the sport’s greatest ever player – Tiger Woods.
That’s certainly the opinion of three-time Ryder Cup champion Graeme McDowell. Woods, 49, was expected by many to captain the star-studded event at Bethpage Black this year but declined the opportunity.
“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,” Woods said in a statement released by the PGA of America in July 2024.
“That does not mean I wouldn’t want to captain a team in the future. If and when I feel it is the right time, I will put my hat in the ring for this committee to decide.”
McDowell made his position crystal clear on social media, however. “Tiger captain in 2027. Book it,” he wrote. But former major champion Paul Azinger has suggested Woods would be more inclined to take on the role of PGA Tour commissioner rather than Ryder Cup captain.
The 49-year-old is a true golfing legend(Image: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
“I don’t know, I think he’d more likely be the commissioner before, maybe, than the Ryder Cup captain,” he said. “Tiger’s bigger than Ryder Cup captaincy. I said a couple of years back he should be the permanent captain, all-time captain, because who better?
“But that’s not right. Other guys deserve to be the captain, so I kind of take that back. But I think he has bigger fish to fry. Tiger, he’s involved with this game monetarily now, and maybe he’ll end up running it, who knows?”
Woods was noticeably absent from Bethpage last week as he continues his recovery from surgery. His own Ryder Cup record is far from impressive, having competed in eight tournaments but only won once.
Since his mother passed away at the start of the year, he hasn’t competed at all. His last appearance was at the 2024 Open Championship in July, where he didn’t make the cut.
Woods’ life away from the course over the past 15 years or so has been turbulent, with serious injuries and personal matters having a huge impact on his game. He was absent from the Masters at Augusta earlier this year, requiring surgery after tearing his left Achilles tendon.
Woods has two children with his first wife(Image: Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)
At the time, the golfing icon shared a video on social media, explaining: “As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured. This morning, Dr Charlton Stucken of Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, performed a minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair for a ruptured tendon.
“I am back home now and plan to focus on my recovery and rehab. Thank you for all the support.” Fans expressed their concern for Woods, noting his “puffy” appearance on social media.
Woods, who secured the coveted green jacket in 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2005 before mounting a stunning comeback win in 2019, has missed the tournament four times previously. His most recent withdrawal came in 2021, following severe injuries sustained in a car crash that could have resulted in the loss of his leg.
Woods has two children, Sam and Charlie, with his first wife Elin Nordegren. The pair divorced in 2010 after she discovered his numerous affairs. Following the revelation of his infidelity, he crashed his car into a fire hydrant outside his home.
Woods is dating Donald Trump Jr’s ex-wife Vanessa(Image: Tiger Woods/Instagram )
He subsequently checked into a rehabilitation clinic for sex addiction and later dated skier Lindsey Vonn and Erica Herman. Earlier this year, Woods confirmed he was dating Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Vanessa was previously married to Donald Trump Jr for 13 years. The couple, who share five children, divorced in 2018.
In March, Woods shared photos of himself and Vanessa on social media, writing: “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts.”
Forbes estimates Woods’ net worth at a staggering $1.3billion (£1.02bn), thanks to lucrative partnerships with brands like Nike and TaylorMade during his illustrious career. He has since split from Nike and launched his own brand, Sun Day Red.
He owns several properties but is thought to live on Jupiter Island, Florida, in a mansion covering nearly nine acres and reportedly worth around $80million (£63m).
