ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday that he is stepping away from golf to seek treatment, just four days after he was involved in a vehicle crash in Florida and subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). This marks the second consecutive year that Woods will miss the prestigious Masters Tournament.
In his statement on social media, Woods expressed, “This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.” He has entered a not guilty plea in his DUI case, according to a report from the sheriff's office, which detailed that deputies discovered two pain pills in his pocket and noted several signs of impairment following the incident where his SUV clipped a trailer and rolled onto its side.
The online court docket for Martin County indicated that Woods has opted to waive his arraignment hearing scheduled for April 23. This incident follows a previous accident in 2009, when Woods crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his Orlando home, which prompted him to take a leave of absence from the sport focused on personal improvement. He returned to action four months later at the Masters.
At the time of the recent crash, Woods displayed several signs of impairment. Reports stated his eyes were bloodshot, his pupils dilated, and he had opioid pills, identified as hydrocodone, in his possession during discussions with law enforcement officials. Woods revealed to deputies that he had been taking prescription medicine earlier that morning. As the crash occurred, Woods admitted to being distracted by his phone and the radio.
Woods has not participated in a golf event since the 2024 British Open, as he was recovering from his seventh back surgery, which he underwent in October. He was attempting to return to competition at the Masters, a tournament where he has celebrated victory five times. In his recent statement, Woods reiterated his commitment to take the necessary time away to ensure a healthier and stronger return both personally and professionally. Consequently, he will not be present in Augusta, Georgia, to attend events such as the Masters Club dinner for champions or to celebrate the reopening of a local course he helped refurbish.
The Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament expressed their full support for Woods during this time, emphasizing that while he may not be physically present, his influence will be felt during the event. Additionally, Woods has decided to step back from his responsibilities on the PGA Tour board where he plays a vital role in leading the Future Competition Committee. A tour spokesman confirmed that Woods did not attend a board meeting on the day of his arrest, underscoring the seriousness of his situation.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp expressed deep appreciation for Woods and extended his full support to him and his family as he undertakes this challenging step. As for the details surrounding the crash, Woods was reportedly speeding along a residential road on Jupiter Island, where the speed limit was 30 mph (around 50 kph). The collision resulted in an estimated $5,000 in damages to the truck involved, although neither Woods nor the other driver sustained injuries.
During the roadside sobriety test, Woods struggled to complete the exercises. He appeared to be in discomfort, with a compression sock on his right knee, and explained his mobility issues stemmed from extensive past surgeries on his back and leg. He faced challenges during the assessment, including difficulty in maintaining his head position as instructed by the deputies.
At the time of his arrest, Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test, which yielded no signs of alcohol consumption; however, he refused a urine test. Shortly after the arrest, he was released on bail after eight hours in custody. Facing charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, Woods’ circumstances are notably compounded by a prior history of accidents, including a significant crash in 2021 that nearly led to the amputation of his right leg.
As a figure of immense influence in the golf world, Woods' ongoing struggles with injury and personal challenges have overshadowed his remarkable achievements, including being the first person of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997. The impact he has had on the sport remains profound, and his current situation highlights the personal toll that fame and the demands of professional sport can exert.
