PGA Tour issue statement on Tiger Woods after DUI arrest

Callum Vurley
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:11:28 +0000

The PGA Tour has rallied behind Tiger Woods following the 15-time major champion's decision to step away from golf and seek treatment after his arrest last Friday and subsequent rollover car accident.

The organisation issued a statement within hours of Woods breaking his silence on Tuesday evening.

"Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course," the Tour 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."

The incident occurred on Jupiter Island, Florida.

Brian Rolapp, who took on the role of PGA Tour chief executive last summer, offered his own personal message of support for the golfer.

"Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known," Rolapp said.

"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."

Notably, one of Rolapp's first major decisions upon becoming CEO was appointing Woods to lead the newly created Future Competition Committee.

The nine-member committee, tasked with delivering what Rolapp has described as "significant change" to the entire structure of PGA Tour competition rather than incremental adjustments, will press ahead with its work despite Woods' absence.

A Tour spokesperson confirmed that the panel convened virtually on Tuesday and would continue its operations.

The organisation has indicated it expects Woods to resume his position as chairman once he is prepared to do so.

Woods had been due to attend several events at Augusta National ahead of the Masters, including a Sunday ceremony for the opening of "The Patch," a municipal course he helped develop.

Woods entered a written plea of not guilty on Tuesday to charges of misdemeanour DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

The plea was submitted through his solicitor, Douglas Duncan.

A court hearing has been scheduled for 23 April.

Woods acknowledged the gravity of his circumstances in his statement announcing his break from the sport.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," the five-time Masters champion wrote on social media.

"I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."