Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club watches before a match against Los Angeles Golf Club at the SoFi Center on March 24, 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Adam Glanzman TGL Golf | Getty Images
Tiger Woods’ future in professional golf remains uncertain as he seeks medical treatment after a rollover car accident last week.
Woods, who was arrested for drunk driving after the crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, resulting in his second rollover in five years, said in a statement from X that he was stepping away from golf “to return to a healthier and more focused place.”
Woods did not say when he would return, saying only that he would be away for “a period of time.”
On Wednesday, the PGA of America announced that Woods will no longer serve as captain of the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
“We support his decision,” the PGA of America said in a statement about X. “We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect his courage in making such a personal decision.”
Recent developments have pushed Woods, at least temporarily, to the fringes of the sport that made him famous. The golf world has rallied behind Woods as he vows to “focus on his health,” and the PGA Tour said in a statement that Woods has the organization’s full support.
“Tiger Woods is a legend in our sport, and his influence goes 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,” the tour said.
Off the course, Woods has been chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee since August. This group is responsible for creating a vision for the future of professional golf.
A PGA Tour spokesperson said Woods will return to the role when he is ready.
Golf Channel analyst and former tour pro Brandel Chamblee suggested it might be time for Woods to consider retirement after his recent accident. Woods, 50, is recovering from various injuries sustained in a 2021 car accident.
“Why should he play golf anymore?” Chamblee asked Friday on Golf Channel’s “Golf Central.” “I think he should probably ask himself that. Consider not playing golf anymore.”
Until Friday’s accident, Woods remained hopeful of playing in this month’s Masters Tournament.
Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed this week that Woods would not play.
“Tiger won’t be joining us in person next week, but his presence will be felt here at Augusta,” Ridley said. “Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods’ commitment to his health.”
Woods’ educational foundation, TGR, said it remains committed to serving students and the community.
“Our thoughts are with our founders as they take the necessary time to focus on their health,” the company’s CEO, Hulagu Hammarin, said in a statement.
Woods’ clothing brand Sunday Red also announced its support this week.
“He is not only our partner, he is our friend. We are here for him and remain focused on the work we are building together,” the company said in a post on the Meta-owned Threads platform.
TGL, the indoor golf league founded by Woods and Rory McIlroy, declined to comment on Woods’ hiatus and possible return.
Woods made his first TGL appearance of the season with the Jupiter Links team in front of a distinguished crowd last week. Nearly 1 million viewers tuned in to watch Woods return, making it the biggest audience of the season, according to ESPN.
