Tiger Woods 'stepping away' from golf to 'seek treatment' after DUI arrest

Tiger Woods is stepping away from golf "to seek treatment" following his DUI arrest this past Friday in Jupiter Island, Florida, following a rollover crash. 

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

"I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Woods’ statement comes after entering a plea of not guilty, waiving his arraignment, and demanding a trial with a jury on Tuesday.

Pills found in golfer's pants following crash, officials say

The backstory:

When detectives talked with Tiger Woods after his SUV flipped onto its side after a crash in Florida, detectives noted that his eyes were "bloodshot and glassy," his pupils were dilated, and his movements appeared to be slow and lethargic, according to a report from the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

Two pills believed to be hydrocodone were found in his pants pocket, the report said. He was talkative and alert, and "sweating profusely," despite being in a vehicle with the A/C on, the report said.

Detectives asked Woods if he took any medication(s).

"I take a few," he responded in the report, including medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol, and mentioned ibuprofen and Vicodin. He was asked whether he took any illegal drugs. He said no.

Watch | Tiger Woods bonds out of jail following DUI arrest

Following a DUI arrest on March 27 in Martin County, Florida, professional golfer Tiger Woods was seen leaving the jail in the passenger side of a black SUV about eight hours after he was arrested. 

Officials noted that Woods had a limp and appeared to stumble to the right. Woods told detectives that he has had several surgeries.

Woods was asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests.

Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI

According to the Martin County Clerk of Court, Tiger Woods has hired Douglas Duncan to represent him. Woods also pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, waived his appearance at his arraignment, and waived his appearances at pretrial, according to online court records.

His arraignment is scheduled for April 23, 2026.

Tiger Woods crashes again in Florida

The backstory:

Woods was arrested last week under suspicion of DUI with property damage after colliding with a vehicle on a two-lane road in a residential neighborhood on Jupiter Island. He was also charged with refusing to take a lawful urine test (Woods refused that test).

Tiger Woods arrested in Florida: Press conference

Tiger Woods has been arrested in Florida under suspicion of DUI in Jupiter Island, Florida after a rollover crash. He has been booked into the Martin County Jail, the sheriff said.

He did take a breathalyzer test and blew "triple zeroes," the sheriff's office said.

Woods told detectives that he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station "and did not notice the vehicle in front of his had slowed down," according to the arrest report.

He was jailed for about eight hours and then released on bond. 

Tiger Woods PGA career

Tiger Woods joined the PGA Tour in 1996. Since then, he's recorded 82 tour wins, 12 international wins, and earned more than $120 million in official earnings.

His last championship win was the ZOZO Championship in Japan in 2019, according to his official PGA bio.