Tiger Woods ‘Stepping Away’ Ahead of the Masters After Arrest

Tiger Woods is “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” the golfer announced Tuesday evening, four days after he was arrested for suspicion of driving while impaired.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement posted on social media. “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.”

Woods, 50, had been attempting to compete in the Masters next week (April 9–12). Woods played in the TGL Finals on March 24, which was his first competitive action since back surgery in October. 

The tournament confirmed late Tuesday night that he would be absent.

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

Woods had been planning to attend the Masters Champions Dinner and participate in events around the opening of the new Par 3 course he designed at Augusta Municipal Golf Course, called The Loop at The Patch.

After a rollover car crash just miles from his home in Jupiter Island, Fla., Woods was arrested Friday afternoon by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. No one was seriously injured in the accident. Woods was charged with DUI, property damage, and refused to submit to a lawful test. Those are all misdemeanors. Woods passed a breathalyzer test, but refused to do a urine test once taken to the Martin County jail.

Woods pleaded not guilty to the charges. His arraignment is scheduled for April 23, but he will not have to appear in court for an initial hearing, as his lawyer, Douglas Duncan, filed a waiver of arraignment and demand for a jury trial in Martin County court. 

In 2021, Woods nearly had to have his right leg amputated after surviving a single-car rollover crash in Southern California. In 2017, Woods was arrested near his South Florida home by the

Jupiter Police Department for driving under the influence after he was found asleep in his car, pulled over on the side of the road.

It is unclear how long Woods will remain out of the public eye or when he will return to competitive golf. 

“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course,” a PGA Tour statement reads. “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 is chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, which has been exploring potential schedule and structural changes to the tour’s current makeup.

“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 as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support.”

Woods has also been believed to be the PGA of America’s top candidate for captain of the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup team, which is typically announced in the spring or summer before the following year’s event.