Tiger Woods provides update on his golf future as he breaks silence following arrest

Jack Otway
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:29:17 +0000

Tiger Woods has declared he is stepping away from golf to pursue treatment after being arrested for driving under the influence last Friday in Jupiter Island, Florida.

The 50-year-old golf icon's SUV rolled onto its side during an attempt to overtake a truck and trailer at speed in the exclusive Florida enclave. Police discovered two hydrocodone pills in his trouser pocket following the incident.

Breaking his silence on Tuesday, Woods issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of his circumstances.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," he wrote. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health."

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According to an arrest affidavit, Woods informed officers he had been looking at his mobile phone and adjusting the radio before the vehicle overturned.

When searched, police found two white tablets marked 'M367' – identified as hydrocodone, a highly addictive opioid prescribed for severe pain.

The 15-time major champion declined to provide a urine sample to authorities.

Officers noted he was sweating heavily, moving slowly and suffering from hiccups. His eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy with extremely dilated pupils.

When questioned about prescription medications, Woods responded: "I take a few."

On Tuesday, he entered a not guilty plea to charges of DUI with property damage and refusing a lawful test.

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Douglas Duncan, who represented Woods during his 2017 DUI case, will serve as his attorney.

The PGA Tour released a statement shortly after Woods spoke publicly, describing him as "a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course."

"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 Tour added.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley subsequently confirmed Woods would not compete at next week's Masters.

"Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being. Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta," Ridley stated.

This marks the latest in a series of driving incidents for Woods.

In 2017, police discovered him unconscious in his vehicle in Florida with five substances in his system, including the painkillers Vicodin and Dilaudid, sleep medication Ambien, anti-anxiety drug Xanax, and traces of marijuana.

He pleaded guilty to reckless driving on that occasion, receiving probation, a fine and community service requirements.

Woods subsequently completed a private treatment programme for painkiller dependency.

Four years later, a crash in California left him with severe leg injuries requiring multiple operations after becoming trapped beneath his vehicle.

In 2009, Woods drove into a fire hydrant while fleeing his home after his wife discovered his infidelity, triggering a scandal that permanently damaged his reputation.