Tiger Woods says he is ‘stepping’ to seek treatment after being arrested
Tiger Woods, following a two-car accident last Friday that led to his DUI arrest, said Tuesday night that he is “going out” to seek treatment and “focus on my life.”
The announcement of the 15-time grand winner came over X, in a two-part release. It reads as follows:
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today, I am taking some time off to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary to prioritize my well-being and work towards a lasting recovery.
“I am committed to taking the time necessary to get back to a healthy, strong and focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and I ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Nine minutes later, the PGA Tour released two statements from the league and its CEO, Brian Rolapp. Along with being a member of the tour, Woods served as the head of the organization’s Future Competition Committee.
Below is a statement from Rolapp:
“Tiger Woods is one of the most influential people in sports around the world.
“Throughout the past year, I have come to appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the vision he has shared with me as I join the golf industry.
“My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, I respect and fully support him.”
Below is a statement from the PGA Tour:
“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his academic achievements. But above all, Tiger is a human being, and we are deeply focused on his health and well-being. Tiger continues to fully support him as he takes this important step.”
The three statements come four days after Woods was involved in the accident, which happened near his home in Jupiter Island, Fla. According to the Martin County sheriff on Friday, Woods tried to pass the truck, cut it off, and his SUV flipped onto the driver’s side. After police arrived, DUI investigators conducted tests, Woods showed “signs of impairment,” and was arrested. At the Martin County Jail, Woods took a breathalyzer test and showed no alcohol, but refused a urine test, which led to a misdemeanor DUI charge. Neither Woods nor the other driver involved were injured.
On Friday night, Woods posted bond and was released from jail. 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, the attorney who served on his 2017 DUI case after Woods was found asleep in the gear of his car and tested positive for five toxic drugs. In the end, two of Woods’ three counts of aggravated assault were dropped in that case, and he pleaded guilty only to reckless driving.
Earlier Tuesday, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office released more information about the arrest and crash. According to a report obtained by GOLF.com, two white pills were found in Woods’ left pants pocket, which were labeled as Hydrocodone, an opioid commonly used to treat pain. Woods said he takes “several” types of medication and had taken the prescribed medication that morning. Many drugs have been reproduced in the report.
Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI charge after car accident
By:
James Colgan
The report also said Woods said he was looking down at his phone while changing the radio when the accident happened. After investigating the crash, Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy Tatiana Levenar noted that Woods was “sweating profusely,” and although he was “tired and walking slowly,” he was alert throughout the investigation. Levenar also said that Woods walked with a limp but then tripped.
Friday’s crash and the 2017 incident are two of four incidents involving Woods inside the car. In 2021, Woods was involved in a single-car accident outside of Los Angeles, suffered multiple injuries, and was hospitalized for three weeks following surgery. In a statement at the time, a doctor said Woods “suffered a major bone injury to his lower right hip that was treated during emergency surgery.” Injuries included “open fractures” to the tibia and fibula, which required a rod to be inserted into the leg. In November 2009, Woods crashed his SUV into a fire pit and tree outside his home and was cited for reckless driving.
According to Woods’ statement, it was not clear what treatment he would seek, and how long he would stay away from golf. Next week, the event that Woods has won five times, the Masters, will start, and Woods said he will be at Augusta National, although it was not known if he would play after surgery back in October. Woods was scheduled to attend the Augusta Municipal Golf Course after helping with the course’s recent renovations.
Woods has not played tournament golf since the 2024 Open Championship. Three days before Friday’s accident, he played with his team in TGL, a league he co-founded.
