Tiger Woods announces he’s stepping away from golf for ‘period of time’ to seek treatment after latest DUI arrest originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In his first public response following his car crash and DUI charge late last week, Tiger Woods released a statement on Tuesday evening.
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Woods, who has been making a slow return to competitive golf as he deals with various injuries, announced he will be “stepping away” from the sport, which appears to confirm he will not participate in the 2026 Masters, as anticipated.
The star golfer also said he will seek “treatment” following his recent arrest, in which he reportedly denied a urine test after appearing “lethargic” to police, resulting in his DUI charge.
Here’s what Woods said in his statement about his future following his DUI charge and car crash.
MORE:Full updates on Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest in Florida
Tiger Woods statement on seeking treatment
After Woods’ car crash, DUI charge and booking in jail happened on Friday, he had not yet released a statement or spoke to reporters until Tuesday, when a message was shared to his social media accounts.
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Woods did not specify any part of the crash or following arrest, but began his statement by saying “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today.”
He then announced he will be stepping away, presumptively from golf and the public eye, for “a period of time” to seek treatment following his DUI charge.
“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,” Woods wrote. “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.”
Why is Tiger Woods seeking treatment?
Woods was never confirmed to be under the influence following his recent car crash and arrest, but because he refused to take a urine test with police, he was charged with a DUI.
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At the scene, the police report said Woods appeared “lethargic,” was “sweating profusely,” had “bloodshot and glassy” eyes, and showed “varying levels of success and failure” during field sobriety tests. Ultimately, the sheriff in the investigation believed Woods’ “normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle.”
Woods’ breathalyzer test showed no signs of alcohol impairment, but he told police he takes “a few” types of medication and refused the urine test, which, under Florida state law, resulted in his DUI charge. Police also found two white pills labeled as hydrocodone in Woods’ pants pocket.
In his statement, Woods did not confirm that he was under the influence, but his refusal to take a urine test was already legally viewed as an admission of guilt. The golfer also did not specify what “treatment” he will be pursuing.
MORE: Police report details Tiger Woods’ sobriety tests, “lethargic” appearance after car crash
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Tiger Woods treatment
On Apr. 1, TMZ reported that Woods was granted approval to travel out of the country to receive care. In a filing made by attorney Douglas Duncan, it’s stated that Woods was looking to travel out of the U.S. “to begin comprehensive inpatient treatment.”
“Based upon the Defendant’s treating physician, the out of country treatment facility recommendation is based upon the Defendant’s complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised,” the filing said, per TMZ.
The attorney reportedly claimed that Woods’ exposure to the public during his care could “result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.” A judge signed off on the request, with Woods still set to appear at future court dates.
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Tiger Woods substance abuse history
In 2017, Woods was found by police asleep at the wheel of a black Mercedes around 3 a.m. in Jupiter, Florida, with his car’s brake lights on and turn signal blinking.
A toxicology report then showed he had five drugs in his system at the time: Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien and THC. He was charged with a DUI and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
In other incidents that did not reportedly involve substances or driving under the influence, Woods was cited for careless driving in 2009, and suffered severe injuries to his legs and ankle in 2021 after being involved in a single-car rollover collision.
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How long with Tiger Woods be stepping away?
Woods did not specify how long he will be stepping away from golf.
It has already been over a year since he last played in a major, as Woods has been dealing with a torn Achilles, then an additional back surgery, throughout 2025 and early 2026. He recently made a return to TGL, and his status had been up in the air moving forward, but his decision to step away will again lengthen the time it will be when fans see him on the greens.
Will Tiger Woods play in the Masters?
In a recent statement from The Masters, it was announced that Woods would not be present in Augusta for the golf weekend. Woods recently announced that he would be stepping away from golf to focus on his mental and physical well-being. Here is the official statement from The Masters.
Woods was already considered questionable due to injuries, and the choice of words to say he’d be stepping away for “a period of time” in his statement suggested it was unlikely he would be participating in the major. Prior to Woods’ arrest, President Donald Trump had already indicated that Woods said he’d show up for the tournament, but would not participate.
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MORE: What Donald Trump said about Tiger Woods’ Masters status
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