Tiger Woods steps away from golf to prioritize his health after DUI arrest

Tiger Woods is stepping away from golf “to seek treatment” following his arrest for drunk driving Friday on Jupiter Island, Florida, following an accident.

“I know and understand the gravity of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement posted on social media.

“I am taking some time off to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary for me to prioritize my well-being and work towards a lasting recovery.

“I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and I ask for privacy for my family, loved ones, and myself at this time.”

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Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC watches a teammate tee off during a TGL match against Atlanta Drive GC at the SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Greg Lovett/Palm Beach Post/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Woods issued the statement after pleading not guilty, waiving his indictment and demanding a jury trial Tuesday.

Woods’ attorney, Douglas N. Duncan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

Woods was arrested in Florida with prescription opioids found in his pocket after he was involved in a crash Friday, according to court documents.

TIGER WOODS ARRESTED IN DUI ACCIDENT WITH ‘WHITE PILLS’ FOUND IN HIS POCKET, AFFIDAVIT SAYS

The 15-time major winner was arrested for driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test (BAL) after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another while he was driving impaired.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said they observed several signs of impairment after the crash. They noted that Woods was “sweating profusely”, that his movements appeared “lethargic and slow” and that his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” as well as “extremely dilated” after removing his sunglasses.

Woods admitted to being distracted before the accident.

Tiger Woods was arrested for drunk driving after an accident in Florida on March 27, 2006. (AP/Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

“Woods stated that he was looking at his cell phone and changing the radio station and did not notice the vehicle in front of him slowing down,” deputies wrote in the affidavit.

After Woods was placed under arrest, authorities found “two white pills in Woods’ left pants pocket,” which were later identified as hydrocodone, an opioid prescribed for pain relief.

Woods submitted to a breathalyzer test after being booked into the Martin County Jail, receiving a result of 0.00 on both samples. However, he refused to submit a urine test, resulting in another charge.

This is Woods’ second drunk driving arrest in the past decade. He was also taken into custody on Jupiter Island in 2017 after falling asleep behind the wheel of a moving vehicle at 3 a.m. after taking prescription medication.

Woods was also involved in a rollover accident in 2021 that resulted in serious leg injuries and emergency surgeries, something he was alluding to during field sobriety tests.

This photo provided by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows skid marks near the overturned vehicle during a rollover accident involving Tiger Woods in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)

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Woods had just returned to the Golf League earlier this month for his first competitive round since undergoing further back surgeries while also needing to repair a torn Achilles tendon.

While Woods was reportedly trying to get in shape to compete in the Masters Tournament, his statement confirmed that he would not be competing in this year’s tournament. Woods has also signed up for the U.S. Senior Open, according to TGL teammate Kevin Kisner, which is scheduled for early July.

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