Tiger Woods has announced he is stepping away to enter substance abuse treatment, four days after his SUV struck a trailer on a residential road in Jupiter Island, Florida, and he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He will miss the Masters for the second consecutive year.
In a statement shared publicly, Woods said the decision was necessary to prioritise his wellbeing and work toward lasting recovery. He described his commitment to returning in a healthier and more focused state, both personally and professionally.
Woods pleaded not guilty in the Florida DUI case on Tuesday, entering a written plea and waiving his April 23 arraignment hearing. According to the arrest report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies found two pain pills — identified as hydrocodone — in his pocket at the scene. His eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his pupils dilated, and he was sweating during questioning in an air-conditioned vehicle. Woods told deputies he had taken prescription medication earlier that morning and had been looking at his phone and adjusting the radio before the collision.
A Breathalyzer test showed no alcohol, but Woods declined a urine test — a refusal that under a Florida law change last year now constitutes a misdemeanour even for a first offence. He faces charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He was held for eight hours before being released on bail.
During a field sobriety assessment, officers noted Woods was limping and wearing a compression sock on his right knee. He explained he had undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his right leg, and that his ankle seizes up while walking. Deputies concluded his normal faculties were impaired and that he was unable to safely operate a vehicle.
Woods has not competed in an official event since the 2024 British Open. He had been recovering from a seventh back surgery in October and had been working toward a return at Augusta. Augusta National Golf Club confirmed it fully supports Woods as he focuses on his health, noting that while he would not be present in person, his presence would be felt at the tournament.
Woods also serves on the PGA Tour board, where he has been leading the Future Competition Committee’s work on reshaping the tour schedule. A tour spokesman confirmed he did not participate in Tuesday’s board meeting and that the committee’s work would continue in his absence. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp expressed his full support for Woods as he takes this step.
This is the second time Woods has taken a leave of absence following a vehicle incident. In 2009, after crashing near his Florida home, he stepped away for four months. His most serious crash came in 2021 in Los Angeles, when his vehicle rolled over and his right leg was so badly damaged that doctors reportedly considered amputation. He has now been involved in four crashes over the course of his life.