Golf icon Tiger Woods declared on Tuesday his intention to step away “for a period” to pursue treatment following a rollover accident last week, after which the 15-time major championship victor was found with two hydrocodone tablets in his left trouser pocket, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Woods was subsequently charged with driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage and declining to undergo a lawful examination. He has entered a plea of not guilty in his DUI case, as reported by the Associated Press on Tuesday.
“I am fully aware of the gravity of my current circumstances,” Woods communicated via a post on X.
“I am dedicated to dedicating the necessary time to achieve a healthier, more robust, and more concentrated state, encompassing both my personal and professional life. I am grateful for your comprehension and encouragement, and I request discretion for my family, close relations, and myself during this period.”
Given Woods’ emphasis on his personal welfare, he will not be participating in the Masters at Augusta National next week, as confirmed by the tournament organizers on Tuesday evening.
Although his participation in the initial major tournament of the year was already uncertain due to ongoing recuperation from back and Achilles issues, Woods’ recent detention in Jupiter, Florida, eclipsed these prior challenges.
A declaration from the PGA Tour stated, “Tiger Woods is an icon in our sport whose influence reaches well beyond his golfing accomplishments. Nevertheless, above all, Tiger is an individual, and our concern is directed toward his health and welfare. Tiger maintains our unwavering backing as he embarks on this significant journey.”
The newly appointed PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp, also issued a communiqué subsequent to Woods’ Tuesday declaration:
“Tiger Woods ranks among the most impactful personalities the realm of sports has ever witnessed. Throughout the past year, I have cultivated a profound admiration for Tiger, not merely for his contributions to the sport, but also for his companionship and the insights he has imparted to me upon my entry into the golf sector.”
Rolapp further stated: “My sentiments are with him and his kin as he undertakes this action, for which he commands my complete esteem and endorsement.”
The probable cause statement made public on Tuesday disclosed that Woods informed Martin County (Florida) law enforcement officials that he was preoccupied with his phone and adjusting a radio channel when, at approximately 2 p.m. on Friday, his Range Rover struck the trailer of a less rapidly moving pickup truck, subsequently overturning onto its driver’s side.
No physical harm occurred. Woods extricated himself from the sport utility vehicle independently.
Law enforcement personnel observed “various indicators of impairment” at the site. While alcohol was not suspected, officers considered the possibility of prescription drugs or other substances. Woods underwent a breath analysis, yielding a 0.00 result, but he declined to provide a urine sample. He was characterized as appearing “sluggish” at the location and attempted to account for the physical ailments and medical interventions he had experienced in preceding months.
Woods participated in competitive golf again mere days prior to the incident. He competed in the TGL indoor golf championship alongside his Jupiter Links Golf Club squad. This represented his initial genuine competitive golf appearance subsequent to the 2024 British Open. Woods suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in March 2025 and had a lumbar disc replacement operation in October.
The collision on Friday constituted the most recent in a series of incidents involving Woods. In 2021, he was implicated in a single-vehicle rollover in Southern California, an accident that almost led to the loss of his leg. Furthermore, he faced charges for driving while impaired in 2017 during a traffic stop in Florida. He attributed that occurrence to “an unforeseen response to prescribed drugs” and subsequently admitted culpability for reckless driving.
Woods has seen limited participation in recent years and has encountered difficulties during his appearances. He has either failed to make the cut or retired from six of his last eight starts in major championships. His most favorable outcome during that period was a tie for 47th position at the 2022 Masters. Both instances where he successfully made the cut also occurred at Augusta National, with his most recent being a 60th-place conclusion in 2024.
The timing of Woods’ potential return to the Masters, or any other competition, subsequent to his current challenges, remains uncertain. However, for the present, Woods intends to withdraw from golf.
