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.
There are fears of an oil spill after a drone strike hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai on Tuesday, while U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran report...
Drones detected in Estonia appear to have strayed from Ukraine while headed for Russia, the Baltic country'...
Central Eurasia’s growing role in the global space industry took centre sta...
Georgia has introduced changes to its election laws, fuelling renewed debate over transparency and political control in an already tense post-elect...
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have called for urgent action to reopen...
There are fears of an oil spill after a drone strike hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai on Tuesday, while U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran reportedly killed at least two people. A loud explosion was heard in Beirut in southern Lebanon early Wednesday, as oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel.
Drones detected in Estonia appear to have strayed from Ukraine while headed for Russia, the Baltic country's armed forces said late on Tuesday. Estonia had earlier said it detected drones inside and outside its airspace overnight, with broadcaster ERR reporting that drone debris was found.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have called for urgent action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as escalating conflict continues to choke one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
A U.S. judge has blocked President Donald Trump from moving ahead with plans to build a $400 million ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing of the White House, pausing one of the most high-profile efforts to reshape the presidential complex.
The Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict is intensifying, with fresh strikes near Tehran, European calls for restraint, and Iran threatening to target U.S. firms in the region, raising fears of a broader escalation across the Middle East.
Russia has expelled a British diplomat, accusing him of economic espionage in a move that further strains already tense relations between Moscow and London. The United Kingdom described the action as intimidation and rejected the allegations outright, Reuters reports.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Monday urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the escalating Gulf conflict, warning that only he could prevent it from spreading further.
There are fears of an oil spill after a drone strike hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai on Tuesday, while U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran reportedly killed at least two people. A loud explosion was heard in Beirut in southern Lebanon early Wednesday, as oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel.
Australia’s move to ban social media access for children under 16 has intensified a global debate, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
Drones detected in Estonia appear to have strayed from Ukraine while headed for Russia, the Baltic country's armed forces said late on Tuesday. Estonia had earlier said it detected drones inside and outside its airspace overnight, with broadcaster ERR reporting that drone debris was found.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have called for urgent action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as escalating conflict continues to choke one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
A U.S. judge has blocked President Donald Trump from moving ahead with plans to build a $400 million ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing of the White House, pausing one of the most high-profile efforts to reshape the presidential complex.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces had taken full control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, suggesting they had seized a small remaining area that had stayed beyond their reach since 2022.
Australia’s move to ban social media access for children under 16 has intensified a global debate, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment