Tiger Woods says he’ll ‘seek treatment’ in first public comments since DUI arrest
In his first public statement since his arrest for drunk driving, Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he is “stepping away” for an undisclosed period of time to “seek treatment.”
Woods, 50, was charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusing to submit to a forensic urinalysis Friday while he was in a two-car crash near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida. He was found with two hydrocodone pills in his pocket, a prescription painkiller, and officers attested the golfer had bloodshot eyes at the scene. He has pleaded not guilty and is seeking a jury trial.
He said he would seek privacy during his recovery, meaning he would not participate in next week’s Masters in any capacity. Woods’ chances of playing were slim before the accident, but he was previously expected to help open the short course he designed at Augusta Municipal Golf Course and also attend the Champions Dinner.
– The Masters (@TheMasters) April 1, 2026
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. 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 toward a lasting recovery,” Woods said in a statement posted on his X account. “I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
This isn’t the first time Woods has stepped away from public view to seek treatment. In 2009, Woods spent 45 days in a hospital clinic after news of several affairs came to light, shocking the sports world. In 2017, after his most recent arrest for drunk driving, Woods underwent an intensive private program to treat his sleep disorders and manage pain from his numerous back injuries.
Tiger Woods’ Land Rover has overturned following a collision with a van towing a trailer. (Courtesy of Martin County Sheriff’s Office via Associated Press)
Woods will temporarily step away from his job as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competitions Committee, which has been tasked with reorienting the tour’s schedule as early as 2027. A tour spokesperson said the group met virtually Tuesday without Woods, and that he will rejoin the committee “when he is ready to do so.”
In a statement, the PGA Tour wrote: “Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his accomplishments on the course. But above all, Tiger is a person, and we are focused on his health and well-being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he reaches this important milestone.”
Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour, said in a separate statement: “Over the past year, I have come to deeply appreciate Tiger, not only for his impact on the game, but also for his friendship and the perspective he shared with me when I joined the golf industry. My thoughts are with him and his family as he reaches this milestone, for which he has my full respect and support.”
Woods was arrested Friday afternoon after allegedly driving his Land Rover aggressively into a van carrying a pressure washing trailer. Woods’ vehicle struck the rear of the trailer and overturned. He fled by exiting through the passenger door.
According to Sheriff’s Deputy Tatiana Levenar’s report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods was “sweating profusely” while being questioned in the back seat of a vehicle where “fresh air was circulating.” That’s when Woods said he didn’t realize the vehicle in front of him had slowed down because he was looking at his cellphone and changing the radio station, according to the report.
Woods’ case will be heard in Florida’s 19th Judicial Circuit Court.
