Tiger Woods Steps Away from Golf to Enter Rehab Following Florida DUI Arrest

Tiger Woods, the 50-year-old American professional golfer, announced on Tuesday that he is stepping away from the sport to enter a detoxification center, days after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence on Jupiter Island, Florida. Woods released a statement on social media hours after pleading not guilty to the DUI charges and requesting a jury trial. The announcement means he will miss the Masters Tournament, scheduled for April 9-12, 2026, which would have marked his return to competitive golf after nearly two years away from the course. The arrest took place on Friday, March 27, 2026, after his Land Rover struck a truck and overturned on a residential road near his home.

„I know and understand the gravity of the situation I find myself in today. It is necessary to prioritize my well-being and work toward a lasting recovery.” — Tiger Woods via ANSA

„I am committed to taking all the time necessary to return in a better condition: healthier, stronger and more focused, on a personal and professional level.” — Tiger Woods via ANSA

Police report reveals phone distraction and opioids in pocket A probable cause affidavit obtained by multiple outlets on Tuesday detailed the circumstances of the crash and Woods' condition at the scene. According to the document, Woods told investigators from the Martin County Sheriff's Office that he had been looking down at his phone and changing radio stations immediately before the accident, and did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down. He then allegedly attempted to overtake that vehicle by crossing a double yellow line into oncoming traffic, striking it on the front right side of his SUV, losing control, and flipping onto the driver's side. Woods was the sole occupant of the vehicle and could not exit from the driver's side due to the rollover, instead climbing out through the front passenger side. The driver of the other vehicle, identified as Jeremy Bullard, reported no injuries. Damage to the other vehicle's trailer was estimated at approximately 5,000 dollars, according to court documents cited by The Irish Times.

Officers found opioids, observed sweating and glassy eyes Deputies at the scene observed multiple signs of impairment in Woods during the investigation. According to the affidavit, officers noted that Woods was lethargic and slow-moving, sweating heavily despite being in an air-conditioned vehicle, and had red, glassy eyes with extremely dilated pupils. Woods told investigators he had not consumed alcohol but acknowledged taking "some" prescription medications earlier that day, including Vicodin, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol medications. Two hydrocodone pills, a prescription opioid, were subsequently found in his pocket. Woods tested negative on a breathalyzer test but refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing, after which he was arrested and later released on bail. One officer stated in the report that, based on his training, he believed Woods' normal faculties were impaired and that he was not capable of safely operating a motor vehicle. The report also noted that Woods was "extremely alert and talkative" and had hiccups throughout the investigation.

Preliminary hearing set for April 23 at Martin County courthouse Woods faces a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence with property damage, as well as a charge of refusing to submit to a lawful test, according to court filings cited by The Irish Times. He pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026, at the Martin County courthouse. The PGA Tour issued a statement expressing support for the golfer, saying Woods is "a legend of our sport whose impact transcends by far his achievements on the course," and that its focus is on his health and well-being, according to 20 Minutos. Woods had told reporters as recently as the previous Tuesday that he hoped to be ready to compete at the Masters, which would have been his first competitive appearance after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and his seventh back surgery. According to the Reuters report, Woods disclosed to the officer at the scene that he had undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 leg operations during his career.

Tiger Woods has faced legal and health difficulties throughout his career. He was previously arrested on a DUI charge in May 2017 in Jupiter, Florida, when he was found asleep at the wheel of his car; he later entered a diversion program. Woods suffered severe leg injuries in a single-vehicle rollover crash in February 2021 in the Los Angeles area, which required emergency surgery and threatened his career. He has undergone multiple back and leg procedures over the years, disclosing to officers at the scene of the March 2026 crash that he had seven back surgeries and more than 20 leg operations.

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