Tiger Woods says he will be “stepping away for a period of time” in order to “seek treatment” after his car crash in Florida, ruling out a Masters appearance this month.
The 50-year-old, who escaped with no serious injuries, spent eight hours in the Martin County jail after his arrest on DUI charges after his vehicle travelling at “high speeds” rolled over after a collision with a trailer on a residential road in Jupiter Island, Florida before he was later released on bond.
He was also charged with property damage and refusing to submit to a urine test.
Woods submitted a written plea of not guilty through his lawyers after an affidavit was released by the Martin Country Sheriff’s Office detailing his arrest.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in his first public statement following the incident. “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.”
Despite not announcing he will not be attending or participating in the upcoming Masters between 9-12 April, Chairman of the major event, Fred Ridley, later confirmed the five-time Masters winner will not be present at Augusta.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Ridley stated. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
Woods was also scheduled to unveil The Patch, a public golf course project he helped revamp at Augusta National a few days prior to the event and the Champions Dinner.
The PGA TOUR also commented for the first time following Woods’ crash.
“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course,” the circuit said. “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.”
PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp expressed his support for the 82-time PGA TOUR winner in a statement of his own, adding: “Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known.
“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.”
The PGA of America confirmed that Woods has refused to captain Team USA in the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare Manor in Ireland.
Before the incident, Woods was favorite to take on the captaincy and had revealed that he had been offered the role and was weighing it up.
“We commend Tiger for prioritising his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision,” the PGA of America said.
A Florida judge on Wednesday granted Woods permission to travel away from the U.S. in order to receive care at a full-service inpatient treatment center.