Tiger Woods allowed to leave US for ‘intensive’ treatment programme

MIAMI – Tiger Woods was granted a request on April 1 by a Florida judge to leave the United States to enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility, as he faces misdemeanour driving under the influence (DUI) charges, according to court records cited by multiple outlets.

Martin County Court Judge Darren Steele granted the motion to travel submitted by Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, who cited the 50-year-old golf superstar’s need for an “intensive, highly individualised and medically integrated programme” away from media and public scrutiny.

“Based upon the defendant’s treating physician, the out of country treatment facility recommendation is based upon the defendant’s complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised,” the motion by Duncan stated, per ESPN.

The motion comes one day after Woods released a public statement and entered a plea of not guilty in a Florida court to charges of misdemeanour driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a urinalysis after a rollover crash in Jupiter, Florida on March 27.

Woods told police he was looking at his mobile phone and changing the radio station before his Land Rover clipped a truck in front of him that he did not see slow down, per the arrest affidavit, which stated a breathalyser test showed no signs of alcohol, but that Woods refused a urinalysis test for other drugs.

The affidavit stated Woods was “sweating profusely”, his movements were “lethargic and slow”, his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy”, his pupils were “extremely dilated” and that during the field sobriety exercises, he was “limping and stumbling to the right”.

Woods denied consuming any alcohol but said he had taken “a few” prescription pills that morning.

Names of the medications were redacted in the affidavit, however, another Martin County Sheriff’s deputy found two hydrocodone pills, an opioid painkiller, in Woods’ left trouser pocket.

Duncan also represented Woods in May 2017 when he was arrested on a DUI charge in Jupiter Island and eventually pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Woods then said he had taken a mix of painkillers, eventually pleading guilty and entering a treatment facility to seek help with managing prescription drugs. He was given one year of probation, along with a US$250 (S$320) fine and 50 hours of community service.

In February 2021, he underwent emergency surgery for multiple compound fractures in his right leg and a shattered ankle after a rollover crash in California.

In a statement on March 31, the 15-time Major champion announced he would step away from golf to seek treatment in hopes of “lasting recovery”.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “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 well-being and work towards lasting recovery.”

The PGA of America also announced on April 1 that Woods has removed himself from consideration to serve as the United States captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup.

“The PGA of America stands in full support of Tiger Woods as he steps away to focus on his health and well-being,” the organisation said in a statement.

“Tiger has shared with us that he will not serve as the captain of the 2027 US Ryder Cup Team and we support his decision.”

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp and Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National, offered equally supportive statements.

Ridley said Augusta National and the Masters tournament “fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being”.

“Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta,” Ridley said of the five-time Masters champion.

Woods, who had surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 and a back surgery in October 2025, has not competed in a top-level golf event since the 2024 British Open.

But he has been playing a key role as chair of the PGA Tour’s future competition committee created to help shape a new-look tour, and he confirmed in February he was contemplating accepting the role of Ryder Cup captain. REUTERS, AFP