Tiger Woods has confirmed he will be ‘stepping away for a period of time’ from golf to ‘seek treatment’, following his latest car crash in Florida.
Woods was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) on March 27 after being involved in a crash, where his Land Rover rolled over following a collision with a pick-up truck.
The 50-year-old was held under Florida law for the mandatory eight hours before being released on bail, with an incident report – released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office on March 31 – revealing Woods admitted to looking at his phone moments before the crash.
Woods was pictured being drive from Martin County Jail after being arrested for his latest car crash
Martin County court documents showed Woods formally skipped the initial court appearance but entered a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers and demanded a jury trial, hours after a sheriff’s report said he showed signs of impairment at the scene.
Woods said after his TGL comeback on March 24 that he was still trying to be fit enough to make a competitive comeback at The Masters from April 9-12, live on Sky Sports, but his latest update suggests that is now unlikely to happen.
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A look back at the highlights from Tiger Woods’ historic five wins at Augusta National
In a statement released on X on Tuesday evening, Woods – commenting publicly for the first time – 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. 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.”
The PGA Tour released a statement to offer their support, saying: “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.”
Police report reveals more on Tiger’s latest car crash
An arrest affidavit, released by the Martin Country Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, revealed that Woods told investigators that he didn’t realise the truck in front of him had slowed down.
The affidavit also said the 15-time major champion had “bloodshot and glassy eyes”, “extremely dilated pupils” and appeared “lethargic and slow” when he failed several field sobriety exercises.
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Donald Trump said on March 27 he felt ‘so badly’ after hearing about Tiger Woods’ latest car crash
Woods had climbed out of the passenger seat after the crash and was “sweating profusely”, with two white pills, identified as hydrocodone – used to treat severe pain – found in his trouser pocket during a search.
The former world No 1 walked away unhurt from the crash and while he passed a breathalyser test for alcohol, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said he refused to submit to a urinary test for drugs.
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Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed on March 27 that Tiger Woods had been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, after his car was involved in a crash
Woods told the authorities he had not consumed any alcohol but admitted he takes “a few” prescription medications and had done so earlier in the morning while insisting he had not had any illegal drugs.
Multiple sobriety exercises were conducted, where he struggled to follow instructions, leading a deputy to conclude: “How he performed on the exercises and based on my training, knowledge and experience, I believe Woods’ normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle”.
Woods stands by his overturned vehicle after the March 27 crash
Tiger steps away after latest car crash
Woods was also arrested on suspicion of DUI offences in 2017 after being found asleep at the wheel of his car. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, after it emerged he had had five prescription drugs in his system at the time.
He also underwent emergency surgery after suffering multiple leg injuries following a serious car accident in California in February 2021, with Woods only featuring in 11 official events and completing four full 72-hole tournaments since.
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Woods made his TGL comeback during Jupiter Links GC’s defeat to Los Angeles Golf Club on March 24, his first appearance in nearly 13 months
Woods was initially planning to be at Augusta National this month, regardless of whether he was competing, as he planned to join Masters chairman Fred Ridley on Sunday evening to mark the opening of “The Patch’ – a municipal course where his design firm helped create “The Loop” short course.
He was also expected to be at the Champions Dinner on Tuesday evening, hosted by Rory McIlroy for the first time, where only past winners of the Green Jacket are eligible to attend. Unlike regular tournaments, Woods does not have to enter or commit to playing until the morning of the first round.
Woods has had a key role off the course on the PGA Tour in recent seasons, initially joining the policy board before later being named the chairman of the Future Competitions Committee to try and reshape the sport.
“Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known,” PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said in a statement. “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 has he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support.”
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