Tiger Woods could make surprise Ryder Cup return as Jim Furyk embraces ‘underdogs’ status

Tiger Woods could yet land a role at the 2027 Ryder Cup.

The 15-time major winner has been out of competitive action since 2024 amid injury and health issues.

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After being involved in a rollover car accident in March, where he was subsequently arrested for a DUI, Woods chose to step away from golf to seek treatment.

He was later handed a five-year driving ban.

But he could be involved in some capacity at Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, in 2027.

The 50-year-old had been in the mix to be the United States captain for the matches, but declined the role as he focused on his health and an increased role with the PGA Tour and their future.

Instead Jim Furyk was named captain for the second time, returning nine years after a humbling 17.5-10.5 defeat in France.

He took over the reins from Keegan Bradley, who was the youngest U.S. captain since 1963 when he faced Team Europe at Bethpage and almost inspired a final day comeback for the ages, before losing 15-13.

Furyk served as one of the vice captains in 2025, and is potentially looking to bring in Woods to serve in that role next year.

“I think there was an opportunity that maybe he would be named captain this time around as well,” Furyk revealed. “You know, I’ll have that conversation. Tiger and I have always been friendly.

“We partnered up for a few years in these matches. And so, wishing him the best. And, I’m anxious to see how much he plays anymore as well.

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“But always a fan favorite and always a figure in our team room as well.”

Woods has captaincy experience

Woods has, of course, been in a vice captain role before, back in 2016, alongside Furyk, Steve Stricker, Tom Lehman, and Bubba Watson under the captaincy of Davis Love III.

On that occasion, the United States won 17-11 on home soil at Hazeltine National in Minnesota.

Furyk has declared that the U.S. team enter the 2027 tournament as “underdogs,” having not won in Europe since 1993 at The Belfry.

“We know what we are up against, we also know it’s been 34 years since we won in Europe. There is no secret, I’m going to hear it over and over again so I am going to embrace it,” Furyk said on Tuesday.

“Luke [Donald, Team Europe captain] and Dodo [Edoardo Molinari, vice-captain] have the opportunity to set the golf course up, tip the scales for Europe. We’re the underdogs.

“I know it’s always been the Americans who seem to be the favourites, this year there is no chance that could happen. We are the underdogs, we understand that and we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

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However, they can take some momentum after winning the Presidents Cup for the 11th successive time over the International Team in a comeback victory on the final day.

Woods led the team in those matches, back in 2019 in Melbourne, where he also famously named himself as the final captain’s pick.

His success as captain then, as well as the criticism of Brandt Snedeker, led some to argue that he perhaps should have been named U.S. captain for this year’s President’s Cup.

But now all eyes are focused on 2027 and whether Woods will play any role in the U.S. team.