Tiger Woods Steps Away from Golf to Seek Treatment Following DUI Arrest

Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday that he is stepping away from professional golf to seek treatment following his recent arrest on charges including driving under the influence (DUI). The 50-year-old golfer made the decision public through a statement posted on social media, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being. “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 prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” Woods said.

The announcement came shortly after Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI charges related to a car accident that occurred on Friday in Jupiter Island, Florida. According to authorities, Woods was involved in a rollover crash when his Land Rover struck a trailer attached to a truck that was turning into a driveway. The truck driver reported seeing Woods traveling at high speeds before the collision. Woods attempted to avoid the crash by swerving but ultimately hit the trailer. He exited the vehicle through a window and was arrested at the scene.

Law enforcement officials noted signs of impairment during their interaction with Woods, who reportedly had opioid pain pills in his possession and admitted to taking medication that morning. While Woods submitted to a breathalyzer test at the jail, he refused to provide a urine sample. An incident report also indicated that Woods told deputies he had looked down at his cellphone and did not realize the truck had slowed down. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office handled the case.

This is not Woods’ first encounter with DUI charges. In 2017, he was arrested in Florida after being found unconscious in his vehicle, with a toxicology report revealing five substances in his system, including painkillers and a sleep aid. Additionally, Woods was involved in a serious single-vehicle crash in California in 2021, where he was driving at twice the speed limit but showed no signs of impairment and was not charged. Woods has expressed a commitment to taking the time needed to recover and return in a healthier and more focused state, both personally and professionally.