Tiger Woods has admitted he will take a “period of time off” from golf to “seek medical treatment” following his recent car accident in Florida.
Woods was arrested on March 27 on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after a collision with a pickup truck caused his Land Rover to roll over.
Woods, 50, was held for eight hours before being released on bail under Florida law, and an incident report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office on March 31 revealed that Woods admitted to looking at his cell phone shortly before the accident.
Woods was photographed being escorted out of the Martin County Jail after being arrested in a recent car accident.
Woods formally skipped an initial court appearance, but hours after the sheriff’s office reported signs of impairment at the scene, he entered a written plea of not guilty through his attorney and requested a jury trial, according to Martin County court documents.
After returning to TGL on March 24, Woods said live on Sky Sports that he was still trying to stay fit enough to return to competition at the Masters, which will be held from April 9 to 12. However, Augusta National president Fred Ridley later revealed that Woods “will not be joining us in person next week.”
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A look back at the highlights of Tiger Woods’ historic five wins at Augusta National
In a statement released to the
“This is what I need to do in order to prioritize my health and work toward a lasting recovery. I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
“I appreciate everyone’s understanding and support and ask that my family, loved ones, and myself maintain privacy at this time.”
The PGA Tour said in a statement: “Tiger Woods is a legend in our sport whose influence extends far beyond his accomplishments on the course.
“But above all, Tiger is a human being, and our focus is on his health and well-being. We continue to have our full support as Tiger takes this important step.”
Police report reveals details of Tiger’s recent car accident
An arrest affidavit released Tuesday by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said Woods told investigators he didn’t notice the truck in front of him slowing down.
The affidavit also said the 15-time major champion appeared “bloodshot and cloudy,” had “extremely dilated pupils,” and was “lethargic and slow to move” during several failed on-field abstinence drills.
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President Donald Trump said on March 27 that he felt “very sick” after hearing about Tiger Woods’ recent car accident.
Woods got out of the passenger seat after the accident and was “sweating profusely,” but 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 from the crash unharmed and passed a sobriety test for alcohol but refused a urine test for drugs, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said.
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Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed on March 27 that Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after his car was involved in a crash.
Woods told authorities he had not consumed alcohol, but admitted to taking “several” prescription drugs and taking them early in the morning, though he denied taking illegal drugs.
Multiple sobriety training sessions were conducted, but Woods struggled to follow commands, and the deputy concluded, “Based on his behavior during the training sessions and my training, knowledge, and experience, I believe that Woods’ normal abilities were impaired and that he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.”
Woods stands next to his overturned car after the March 27 accident.
Tiger walks away after recent car accident
Woods was arrested in 2017 on suspicion of drunk driving after he was found asleep behind the wheel of his car. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving after it was discovered he had five prescription drugs in his system at the time.
Woods has also played in only 11 official tournaments and only four full 72-hole tournaments since sustaining multiple leg injuries and undergoing emergency surgery in a serious car accident in California in February 2021.
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Woods made his TGL return on March 24 when Jupiter Links GC lost to Los Angeles Golf Club, his first appearance in nearly 13 months.
Woods originally planned to attend Augusta National this month, whether he played or not. He was scheduled to join Masters Chairman Fred Ridley on Sunday night for the opening ceremony of The Patch, a municipal course whose design firm helped create The Loop short course.
He was also scheduled to attend Tuesday night’s Dinner of Champions, hosted by Rory McIlroy, for the first time. Only past Green Jacket winners are eligible to attend this dinner. Unlike regular tournaments, Woods does not have to enter or participate in play until the morning of the first round.
Woods has played a prominent role off the course on the PGA Tour in recent seasons, first serving on the policy committee and then being appointed chairman of the future competition committee in an effort to reshape the sport.
“Tiger Woods is one of the most influential people the sport has ever known,” PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolup said in a statement. “Over the last year, I have come to deeply appreciate not only Tiger’s impact on the game, but also the friendship and perspective he shared with me when I entered the golf industry.
“My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, and I have his utmost respect and support.”
Who will win the Masters? Watch the opening round of this year’s Major live on Sky Sports Golf from April 9th to 12th. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
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