Tiger Woods, following a two-car crash last Friday that led to his DUI arrest, said Tuesday night that he is “stepping away” to seek treatment and “focus on my health.”
The 15-time major winner’s announcement came over X, in a two-paragraph release. It read as follows:
“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.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in 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.”
Nine minutes later, the PGA Tour released statements both from the league and its CEO, Brian Rolapp. Along with being a member of the tour, Woods had been working as the head of the organization’s newly formed Future Competition Committee.
Below is the statement from Rolapp:
“Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known.
“Over the last year, I have come to deeply appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the perspective he has shared with me as I joined the golf industry.
“My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support.”
Below is the statement from the PGA Tour:
“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well‑being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step.”
The three statements come four days after Woods was involved in the crash, which happened near his home on Jupiter Island, Fla. According to the Martin County sheriff on Friday, Woods had tried to pass a truck, clipped it, and his SUV flipped onto its driver side. After officers arrived, DUI investigators conducted tests, Woods showed “signs of impairment,” and he was arrested. At the Martin County Jail, Woods took a breathalyzer test and showed no trace of alcohol, but he refused a urinalysis test, leading to misdemeanor DUI charges. Neither Woods nor the other driver involved was injured.
Late Friday night, Woods posted bond and was released from the prison. On Tuesday afternoon, Woods pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to court documents obtained by GOLF.com, and a court hearing is scheduled for April 23. Woods has also retained the services of Douglas Duncan, an attorney who served on his 2017 DUI case after Woods was found asleep at the wheel of his car and tested positive for five substances in a toxicology report. Ultimately, two of the three misdemeanor charges against Woods were dropped in that case, and he pleaded guilty only to reckless driving.
Earlier Tuesday, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office released additional details on the arrest and crash. According to the report obtained by GOLF.com, two white pills were found in Woods’ left pant pocket, which were marked as Hydrocodone, an opioid commonly used for pain treatment. Woods said that he takes “a few” types of medication and had taken prescribed medicine that morning. Multiple medicines were redacted from the report.
The report also said that Woods said he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station at the time of the accident. After investigating the crash, Martin County Sheriff Deputy Tatiana Levenar noted that Woods was “sweating profusely,” and though he was “lethargic and slow,” he was alert throughout the investigation. Levenar also said that Woods walked with a limp but also stumbled.
Friday’s crash and the 2017 incident are two of four incidents involving Woods inside a car. In 2021, Woods was involved in a one-car crash outside of Los Angeles, sustained multiple injuries, and was hospitalized for three weeks following surgery. In a statement at the time, a doctor said Woods “suffered significant orthopedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery.” The injuries included “comminuted open fractures” in the tibia and fibula, requiring a rod to be inserted into the leg. In November of 2009, Woods crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant and tree outside of his home and was cited for careless driving.
According to Woods’ statement, it was unclear what treatment he would seek, and how long he would be away from golf. Next week, an event Woods has won five times, the Masters, is set to start, and Woods has said he would be on the grounds at Augusta National, though it was unknown whether he would have played after he had undergone a back procedure last October. Woods was also supposed to be in attendance at Augusta Municipal Golf Course after helping with the course’s recent redesign.
Woods has not played tournament golf since the 2024 Open Championship. Three days before Friday’s crash, he played with his team in TGL, the simulator-based league he co-founded.
