Tiger Woods has confirmed he will ‘take some time away from golf to seek treatment’ following his recent car accident in Florida.
Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on March 27 after he was involved in a crash in which his Land Rover collided with a pickup truck and overturned.
The 50-year-old was detained under Florida law for eight hours before being released on bail, and according to an accident report released March 31 by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods admitted to looking at his cellphone shortly before the crash.
Woods was recently seen driving away from the Martin County Jail after being arrested in a car accident.
Woods officially skipped his initial court appearance, according to Martin County court documents, but he pleaded not guilty in writing through his attorney and requested a jury trial just hours after deputies reported he showed signs of impairment at the scene.
Woods said he is still trying to get healthy enough to return competitively at the Masters from April 9-12 following his TGL return on March 24. Sky Sports live broadcastBut according to his latest update, there is little chance of that happening now.
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Take a look back at the highlights of Tiger Woods’ historic five wins at Augusta National.
In a statement released to X on Tuesday evening, Woods commented publicly for the first time, saying: “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I will be taking some time away to seek treatment and focus on my health.”
“This is necessary for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward ongoing recovery. I am committed to taking the time I need to get back to a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.
He added, “I appreciate your understanding and support, and I ask that you respect the privacy of my family, loved ones, and myself at this time.”
“Tiger Woods is a legend in our sport whose influence extends far beyond his accomplishments on the course,” the PGA Tour said in a statement.
“But above all else, Tiger is a person and our focus is on his health and well-being. We continue to provide Tiger with our full support as he takes this important step.”
A police report reveals more about Tiger’s recent car crash.
Woods told investigators he did not realize the truck in front of him had slowed down, according to an arrest affidavit released Tuesday by the Martin Country Sheriff’s Office.
The affidavit also said the 15-time major champion had “bloodshot and glassy eyes,” “extremely dilated pupils” and appeared “lethargic and sluggish” when he failed several field sobriety exercises.
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Donald Trump said on March 27 that he was “so sorry” to hear about Tiger Woods’ recent car accident.
Woods crawled out of the passenger seat after the crash and was “sweating profusely,” and during a search, two white pills identified as hydrocodone, used to treat severe pain, were found in his pants pocket.
The former world No. 1 walked away unharmed after the crash and although he passed a breathalyzer test, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said he refused to take a urine test for drugs.
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Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed on March 27 that Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with drunken driving after his vehicle was involved in a crash.
Woods told authorities he had not consumed any alcohol, but insisted he had never taken illegal drugs, admitted he had taken “several” prescription medications and had been drinking early in the morning.
He underwent several sobriety drills in which he struggled to follow instructions, and the deputy concluded: “Based on the way he conducted the training and my training, knowledge and experience, I believe Woods’ normal abilities were impaired and he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.”
Woods stands next to an overturned vehicle following the March 27 crash.
The tiger was recently killed in a car accident.
Woods was also arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in 2017 after being found asleep in the driver’s seat. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving after it was revealed he had five prescription drugs in his system.
He also underwent emergency surgery after suffering multiple leg injuries in a serious car accident in California in February 2021. Since then, Woods has played in only 11 official events and completed four full 72-hole tournaments.
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Woods returned to TGL during Jupiter Links GC’s loss to Los Angeles Golf Club on March 24, his first appearance in nearly 13 months.
Woods initially planned to attend Augusta National this month regardless of whether he would compete or not. That’s because on Sunday evening he was planning to celebrate with Masters Chairman Fred Ridley the opening of “The Patch,” a municipal course where his design firm helped create “The Loop” short course.
He was also expected to attend the Champions Dinner hosted by Rory McIlroy for the first time on Tuesday evening, an event open to only past Green Jacket winners. Unlike regular tournaments, Woods does not have to participate or commit to play until the morning of the first round.
Woods has taken on a prominent role off the course on the PGA Tour in recent seasons, first joining the policy committee and later being appointed chairman of the Future Competitions Committee in an effort to reshape the sport.
“Tiger Woods is one of the most influential people in sports,” PGA Tour CEO Brian Rollapp said in a statement. “Over the past year, I have come to have a deep appreciation for Tiger, not only for his impact on the game, but also for his friendship and perspective he shared with me as I joined the golf industry.
“My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step. He has my full respect and support for this.”
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