Tiger Woods announced Tuesday night he is "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health" following his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence after a rollover crash in Florida last Friday. The 50-year-old golf icon submitted a not guilty plea through his attorneys hours before releasing his first public statement since the incident that has again thrust his personal struggles into the spotlight.
Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test after his SUV clipped a trailer and rolled over on its side in Martin County, Florida. He was released on $1,150 bail at 11:11 p.m. that night, according to jail officials.
A sheriff's department report released Tuesday painted a concerning picture of Woods' condition after the crash. Deputies described the golf legend as having "bloodshot and glassy" eyes, "sweating profusely," and appearing "lethargic and slow" with "extremely dilated" pupils. Officers found two hydrocodone pills — an opioid used to treat severe pain — in his pocket.
- Woods was hiccupping during questioning and had difficulty keeping his head straight during sobriety tests
- Two hydrocodone pain pills were found in his possession
- He told officers he was looking at his phone before the crash occurred
- This marks his fourth major traffic incident since 2009
"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods wrote on social media. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my wellbeing and work toward lasting recovery."
The announcement means Woods will miss next week's Masters Tournament at Augusta National, where he was expected to attend the unveiling of The Patch — a revamped public golf course he helped design with the club. He was also slated to attend Rory McIlroy's champion's dinner on Tuesday night.
"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time." — Tiger Woods
Golf World Rallies Around Struggling Icon
Augusta National and the Masters Tournament issued immediate statements of support. "Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his wellbeing," said Masters chairman Fred Ridley. "Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta."
The PGA Tour, in its first official comment since Woods' arrest, emphasized the human element over his legendary status. "Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course," the organization stated. "But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and wellbeing."
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp added personal context: "Over the last year, I have come to deeply appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the perspective he has shared with me as I joined the golf industry. My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support."
A Pattern of Personal Struggles
This latest incident continues a troubling pattern that has shadowed Woods' career for over a decade. His 2009 Thanksgiving night crash outside his Florida home — after striking a fire hydrant, tree, and several hedges — sparked revelations of extramarital affairs that ended his marriage and cost him lucrative sponsorship deals.
Thanksgiving night crash leads to divorce and loss of major sponsorships
Found slumped at wheel near home; sentenced to year's probation for reckless driving
Serious single-car accident causes extensive leg injuries requiring multiple surgeries
Rollover crash in Florida leads to DUI charges and treatment decision
In 2017, Woods was sentenced to a year's probation after pleading guilty to reckless driving when police found him slumped at the wheel near his home. A toxicology report revealed several legal medications and marijuana's active ingredient in his system.
The 2021 single-car accident left Woods with extensive leg injuries that required multiple surgeries and limited his competitive schedule dramatically. He had only recently returned to competitive golf through the TGL indoor league — his first action in over a year following back surgery and an Achilles tendon injury.
Woods has won 15 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus' 18, but hasn't won a major since the 2019 Masters. He missed the cut at The Open Championship in July 2024, his most recent major appearance.
The golf world now faces the uncomfortable question of whether the sport's most compelling comeback story has reached its final chapter — not on the course, but in a treatment facility where the 50-year-old legend confronts demons that have proven more persistent than any opponent he's faced.