Tiger Woods stepping away for treatment after DUI arrest, will miss Masters
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Tiger Woods was arrested on March 27 on a charge of DUI after his Land Rover rolled over on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island home.
PHOTO: AFP
LOS ANGELES – Tiger Woods said on March 31 that he is stepping away to seek treatment and focus on his health after pleading not guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) charges stemming from his rollover crash in Florida.
Woods, a 15-time Major champion and the greatest golfer of his generation, was arrested on March 27 on a charge of DUI after his Land Rover rolled over on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island home. No one was injured in the accident and he was released on bail later that night.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods posted on social media.
“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 toward lasting recovery.”
The 50-year-old added that he was committed to taking the time needed to return in a “healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally”, and requested privacy.
Following Woods’ announcement, Augusta National Golf Club, home of the year’s first Major, confirmed the five-time Masters champion would not be present at the April 9-12 tournament.
Court documents filed on March 31 showed that Woods has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges and requested a trial with a jury.
Woods’ next court appearance was scheduled for May 5, although he does not have to appear in person for any proceeding before a trial, court records show.
According to a probable-cause affidavit seen by Reuters earlier on March 31, Woods told the authorities he was looking down at his phone and did not realise the truck in front of him had slowed down.
The authorities also said in the affidavit that Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and that officers observed him to be lethargic, slow, “sweating profusely”, with bloodshot eyes and pupils that were “extremely dilated”.
When asked during the criminal DUI investigation if he took any prescription medication, the report said the golf icon replied, “I take a few”, while adding he had done so earlier in the morning.
Woods’ manager did not immediately respond when asked to comment on details of the probable-cause affidavit.
A Martin County Sheriff’s deputy wrote in the report that Woods, when asked about the March 27 accident, said he was looking at his mobile phone and changing the radio station which caused him not to see a truck slowing down before the crash.
The officer said in the report he observed Woods “limping and stumbling” and added that the golfer told him he has had seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg.
Woods had previously suffered severe leg injuries in a 2021 single-car crash in California.
During the latest accident, Woods rolled his vehicle and had to crawl out of the passenger door. He passed a breathalyser test after the crash before refusing a urine test.
The officer also noted in the report that Woods was “extremely alert and talkative” and had “hiccups during the entire investigation”.
Woods told the officer he has a limp and that his ankle seizes while walking.
The deputy who walked Woods through a series of field sobriety tests said in the report that based on his training, “I believed that Woods’ normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle”.
Woods had just returned to competitive golf for the first time since missing the cut at the British Open in July 2024 when he joined his team for the TGL Finals on March 24, an indoor league that combines simulated golf with real chipping and putting and so requires significantly less walking than traditional golf.
After the match, Woods said he was trying to get his battered body ready for the Masters at Augusta National.
Even if he decided against competing, Woods planned to be at Augusta National for the champions dinner, but the club confirmed on March 31 that he will not be on present at all during the year’s first Major.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement. “Although Tiger will not be joining us next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.” REUTERS, AFP
