When Tiger Woods declined the U.S. Ryder Cup captaincy for 2025, his reasoning was simple, he didn’t have the time. Yet, after Team USA’s painful 13-15 defeat on home soil, talk of Woods taking the reins has only intensified.
One person adding fuel to the discussion is veteran caddie Billy Foster, who once carried Woods’s bag at the 2005 Presidents Cup.
“I’m sure he’ll do it at some stage. Depends on where he wants to do it, but obviously, he’s a big friend with JP McManus. So, yeah, it could well be,” Foster said on The Rick Shiels Golf Show.
Though Foster admits his comments are speculative, his insight carries credibility. Having witnessed Woods‘ temperament and competitiveness firsthand, he knows what makes the golfer tick. His mention of JP McManus-owner of Adare Manor and a close friend of Woods, has naturally turned attention to the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will be played there.
When offered the captaincy for Bethpage, Woods turned it down, saying his growing commitments with the TGL and his work amid PGA Tour-LIV negotiations made it impossible.
“With my new responsibilities 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 said.
Calls grow for Woods to take the reins before time runs out
Despite his refusal, Woods never ruled out future interest in the role. Several voices within golf have supported the idea, including Johnson Wagner, a former PGA Tour player turned analyst, who said Woods “checks all the boxes” and “would be an amazing captain.”
Woods‘ recent appointment as chair of Brian Rolapp‘s Future Competition Committee could indicate a shift in his availability, as he now plays a central part in shaping the PGA Tour’s direction.
Still, Foster cautioned that the window for golf legends like Woods to lead is shrinking. “By the time they would get it, they might be in the late 50s, then you’re not in touch with the young players anymore,” he warned.
Recovering from his seventh back surgery, Woods‘ competitive future remains uncertain. Yet, captaining Team USA at Adare Manor in 2027 might allow him to contribute without the strain of competition-offering the perfect chance to lead from the sidelines.
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