Tiger stepping away to seek treatment, won't attend Masters

Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he's taking an indefinite leave to seek treatment after he crashed his car and was arrested for driving under the influence on Friday.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods said in a statement. "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."

Police said Woods agreed to a breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol in his system after the crash, but he refused a urine test. Authorities also found opioids at the scene, according to an incident report released Tuesday by the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Woods was arrested and released on bail eight hours later. He pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge on Tuesday.

The 50-year-old told deputies he was looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio when his Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side, per the police report. Neither Woods nor the truck driver suffered injuries from the accident.

The police report also notes that Woods showed signs of impairment at the scene.

Woods returned to competitive golf in last week's TGL final, marking his first action in over a year. He said afterward he had his sights set on competing at the Masters in April, although Augusta National confirmed Tuesday that he won't play in this year's first major.

"Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being," chairman Fred Ridley said. "Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here at Augusta."

The 15-time major champion last played in a PGA TOUR event at the 2024 Open Championship. He underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery in October - his seventh back procedure - and had surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025.

"Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course," the PGA TOUR said in a statement. "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."

Woods' latest incident is his fourth car crash since 2009 and his second arrest for a DUI. He's played in just 11 PGA TOUR events since a serious car accident in 2021 that nearly led to his right leg being amputated. His previous DUI came in 2017 when authorities found him asleep behind the wheel, the engine running, and his car damaged. He said a bad mix of painkillers caused the incident, and he later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.