Tiger Woods 'bottled' Team USA captaincy as feisty Ryder Cup accusation fired

Tiger Woods might have 'bottled' his chance to captain Team USA at the Ryder Cup, according to Rory McIlroy's former agent Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler. The golf legend, who boasts 15 major titles, hasn't featured in the biennial showdown since 2018. On that occasion, he was beaten in all four of his individual encounters as Team Europe claimed victory.

Woods had been tipped as a potential skipper for the USA this eyar as they seek Ryder Cup glory for the first time since 2021. However, he declined the role due to his commitments with the TGL and his participation in PIF talks. Keegan Bradley was eventually named captain to become the youngest team leader since Arnold Palmer in 1963.

Chandler, who worked with McIlroy for around four years, believes Woods may have 'bottled' the decision because of how the Ryder Cup is perceived in the USA compared to Europe.

"They offered it to Tiger, he didn't want it," he told Casino Hawks. "I think he might have bottled it. I don't know. He'd say maybe there wasn't enough time, but that's nonsense.

"They don't treat it like we do though. America doesn't treat it like it's a big thing as Europe does, and they never have done. Patrick Reed is one of the few that treats it like we do but he's not in."

Last year, Woods stated that he turned down the opportunity because he would not be able to fully commit to the project. However, he insisted that he would be open to taking on the role in the future.

"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," said Woods.

"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."

Bradley later revealed that Woods had been giving him plenty of advice when he was mulling over which players to name in the squad.

"Yeah, it's interesting because so many times in my career I've leaned on other players to help me go through situations, whether it's endorsements or certain situations or how I feel in tournaments," said Bradley.

"I have no one to talk to about this. I can't call someone who's done it. Tiger Woods did it at the Presidents Cup. I've spoken to him a ton about this.

"There's a few other guys that have done it in the Presidents Cup. The Ryder Cup is a much different animal, but we have a plan."