A Decision to Focus on Recovery
Following a rollover accident last week, 15-time major champion Tiger Woods has officially announced he is taking a break from professional golf to seek treatment. The announcement comes in the wake of legal challenges and a growing concern for the athlete's overall well-being.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Woods was found with two hydrocodone pills in his possession after his vehicle collided with a trailer and overturned. Following the incident, he was charged with DUI involving property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. As reported by the Associated Press, Woods has entered a plea of not guilty regarding the DUI charges.
«I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally,» Woods stated in a post on X.
Withdrawal from the Masters
In light of his decision to prioritize his health, Augusta National confirmed that Woods will not be participating in the upcoming Masters tournament. While his ability to compete had already been questioned due to ongoing recovery from back and Achilles injuries, the recent legal issues in Jupiter, Florida, have shifted the focus entirely to his personal recovery.
Support from the Golf Community
The PGA Tour has expressed its full backing for the golfing legend. In an official statement, the organization highlighted that their primary concern is Woods' health, emphasizing that his contributions to the sport are significant, but his status as a person comes first. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp also offered his personal support, noting the deep respect he holds for Woods both as an athlete and a friend.
Details of the Incident and Medical Context
Authorities reported that the accident occurred Friday afternoon when Woods' SUV struck a pickup truck's trailer. Woods, who was uninjured, told police he had been distracted by his phone and the radio. While he passed a breathalyzer test, officers noted signs of impairment, suspecting medication rather than alcohol. Woods declined to submit to a urine test.
This incident follows a period of difficult physical setbacks for the golfer, including a ruptured Achilles in March 2025 and lumbar disc surgery in October. His recent return to competition at the TGL indoor golf final marked his first professional appearance since the 2024 British Open.
A History of Setbacks
The recent crash is the latest in a series of challenges for Woods. He previously survived a severe single-car rollover in Southern California in 2021 that nearly resulted in the loss of his leg. Additionally, he faced a DUI arrest in 2017 in Florida, which he attributed to an adverse reaction to prescription medication, eventually pleading guilty to reckless driving.
With his professional future currently uncertain, Woods has made it clear that his immediate focus remains entirely on his recovery and stepping away from the spotlight of competitive golf.