Tiger Woods has announced an indefinite break from professional golf after a vehicle crash in Florida led to driving under the influence (DUI) charges, as he seeks treatment to prioritise his physical and mental health.
The announcement follows Woods’ formal plea of not guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) charges linked to an incident last Friday afternoon. The golfer was arrested after his Land Rover overturned on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island home. No other vehicles were involved and Woods escaped without serious injury, but the subsequent police investigation has raised significant concerns about his immediate future. He was released on bail later that evening, with legal proceedings now under way.
Court documents filed on Tuesday confirm that Woods has pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for 5 May, although he is not required to attend preliminary proceedings in person. Details from the police report, however, suggest a concerning account of his condition at the time of the crash.
According to a probable-cause affidavit seen by Reuters, arresting officers reported highly erratic behaviour. A Martin County Sheriff’s deputy stated that Woods admitted looking down at his mobile phone to change the radio station and failed to notice a lorry slowing ahead. Officers described him as lethargic, slow to respond, and “sweating profusely”, with bloodshot eyes and “extremely dilated” pupils. Authorities also reported finding two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.
During roadside questioning about prescription medication, Woods reportedly said, “I take a few”, adding that he had taken medication earlier that morning. The deputy noted that Woods appeared to be “limping and stumbling” during the assessment. Woods attributed this to longstanding injuries, citing seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg following his 2021 car crash in Los Angeles.
The officer reported that Woods was “extremely alert and talkative”, although he suffered from persistent hiccups. The deputy ultimately concluded that Woods’ faculties were impaired to the extent that he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.
The immediate consequence of the incident is Woods’ absence from the 2026 Masters. He had only recently returned to competitive golf, having missed the cut at The Open Championship in July 2024, and competed last week in the TGL Finals - an indoor simulator league requiring significantly less physical strain. Following that event, Woods had expressed cautious optimism about preparing for Augusta National’s demanding course.
Instead, he issued a statement via social media: “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. 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 prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.” He added that he hoped to return in a “healthier, stronger, and more focused place,” while requesting privacy for his family.
His absence leaves a significant void at the year’s first major. Even when not competing, Woods remains central to traditions such as the Champions Dinner, which he will now miss. Augusta National Golf Club expressed its support in a statement from chairman Fred Ridley: “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 next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
For the wider sporting world, attention now shifts from Woods’ pursuit of further major titles to whether he can navigate this latest personal and legal challenge.
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