Golf star Tiger Woods said Tuesday he is stepping away to seek treatment and focus on his health after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a rollover crash in Florida last week.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote on social media platform X. “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 prioritize my well‑being and work toward lasting recovery.”
Woods was driving his Land Rover last Friday near his Jupiter Island home when it clipped a pickup truck and rolled onto its side. No injuries were reported, but the 50‑year‑old exited the vehicle through the passenger door. Officers at the scene determined he appeared impaired and found two opioid pain pills in his pocket.
He faces charges of suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test. A breathalyzer showed no alcohol, and Woods declined urine tests. He was released on bail the same night.
Court records from Martin County show Woods entered a written plea of not guilty and planned to waive an April 23 arraignment. Woods, a 15‑time major champion often regarded as among the greatest golfers of his generation, said he will take the time needed to return “in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
His decision to step away means he will miss the Masters for a second consecutive year; fans had hoped to see the five‑time champion play at the tournament scheduled April 9–12. Last week he had returned to competition at the indoor TGL Finals, which mixes simulated and traditional golf formats.
This is not Woods’ first extended break after a crash. In 2009 he took leave following an accident outside his Orlando‑area home, and a 2021 crash in Los Angeles badly injured his right leg, prompting doctors to consider amputation.
A police report gave more detail about the arrest. During a field sobriety test, officers noted Woods was limping with a compression sock over his right knee. He told them he had undergone more than 20 surgeries on that leg and that his ankle can seize up. Woods told investigators he had been looking at his phone and changing radio stations and had not noticed the truck ahead had slowed. Officers reported he appeared lethargic, slow to respond, sweating profusely, with bloodshot eyes, extremely dilated pupils and hiccuping during questioning.
Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru