Tiger Woods Walks Away From Golf, Seeks Treatment After Crash Case Takes Another Turn

Tiger Woods said Tuesday that he is stepping away from golf for an unspecified period to seek treatment, making the announcement four days after his arrest in Florida on suspicion of DUI and refusal to submit to a lawful test following a rollover crash near his home on Jupiter Island.

In a statement posted to his social media accounts, Woods said, “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. 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 prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.” He added, “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

The decision came only hours after Woods entered a plea of not guilty to misdemeanor charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, according to court documents. Attorney Douglas Duncan of West Palm Beach filed the plea and requested a jury trial in Martin County Circuit Court in Stuart, Florida. Woods also waived his arraignment hearing, which had been scheduled for April 23.

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The latest turn in the case followed the release of an arrest affidavit by the Martin County Sheriff’s Department earlier Tuesday. According to that affidavit, Woods told authorities he was looking down at his cellphone and changing the radio station in his SUV before failing to notice a truck slowing down in front of him. The report said Woods’ Range Rover clipped a trailer being hauled by the truck, swerved, flipped onto its side and slid down the road. Woods then climbed out through the passenger-side window.

The affidavit also described Woods as “sweating profusely,” with movement that was “lethargic and slow,” and said he appeared to be limping and stumbling during field sobriety exercises. Once he removed his sunglasses, a deputy noted that his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and that his pupils were “extremely dilated.” Woods told deputies he had not consumed alcohol, and Sheriff John Budensiek said Friday that a breathalyzer did not show signs of alcohol. Woods refused to submit to a urinalysis or blood test for other drugs, according to the sheriff.

Authorities also documented Woods’ medical background during the roadside investigation. He told deputies he had undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his right leg, which was severely injured in a February 2021 rollover crash outside Los Angeles. The deputy wrote that Woods said he has a limp and that his ankle seizes while walking. Because of that condition, the field sobriety exercises were modified and conducted while he was seated on the bumper of a police cruiser.

The affidavit further stated that Woods said he had taken prescription pills earlier that morning, though the names of the medications were redacted in the report. Another deputy found two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ left pants pocket, according to the affidavit. After his arrest, Woods was transported to Cleveland Clinic ER South but refused medical treatment. He was then taken back to the Martin County Jail and released later Friday night on $1,000 bond.

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Woods, 50, has not competed on the PGA Tour since July 2024, when he missed the cut at the Open Championship. He had been working toward a possible return for next week’s Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, where he has won five times, though he had not officially committed to playing. Even if he had not entered the field, Woods was expected to attend the Sunday opening ceremony for “The Patch,” a municipal golf project in Augusta that includes a new short course he helped build and a redesign of the existing 18-hole course. He had also been expected at the annual Champions Dinner at Augusta National on April 7.

Masters chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement, “Augusta National Golf Club 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.” The PGA Tour also issued a statement backing Woods, saying its focus is on his health and well-being as he takes what it called an important step. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp added his support for Woods and his family.

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— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 1, 2026

Woods’ absence will be felt beyond tournament week. Even with injuries limiting his schedule over the last four seasons, he has remained deeply involved in the sport’s power structure, serving as chairman of the Future Competition Committee and as a player director on the PGA Tour Enterprises Board, PGA Tour Policy Board and Player Advisory Council. For now, though, Woods’ role in golf shifts away from comeback speculation and major championship questions and toward treatment, court proceedings and whatever comes next off the course.

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