Tiger Woods will step away from golf to seek treatment and focus on his health after pleading not guilty to drink-driving charges stemming from his crash in Florida last week.
The 15-time major winner was arrested after his Land Rover rolled over in a collision with a pick-up truck towing a trailer he was attempting to overtake on Jupiter Island.
He was charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. No one was injured in the crash and Woods was released on bail later that night.
"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods 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 prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."
Woods, 50, added that he was committed to taking the time needed to return in a "healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally," and requested privacy.
Following Woods' announcement, Augusta National Golf Club, home of the year's first major, confirmed the five-time Masters champion would not be on site next week.
Court documents filed on Tuesday showed that Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI charges and requested a trial with a jury.
His next court appearance was scheduled for May 5, though he does not have to appear in person for any proceeding prior to a trial, court records show.
According to a probable-cause affidavit seen by Reuters earlier on Tuesday, Woods told authorities he was looking down at his phone and did not realise the truck in front of him had slowed down.
Authorities also said in the affidavit that Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and that officers observed him to be lethargic, slow, "sweating profusely," with bloodshot eyes and pupils that were "extremely dilated."
When asked during the criminal DUI investigation if he took any prescription medication, the report said the 50-year-old golfer replied, "I take a few," while adding he had done so earlier in the morning.
A Martin County Sheriff's deputy wrote in the report that Woods, when asked about the March 27 collision, said he was looking at his phone and changing the radio station, which caused him not to see a truck slowing down before the crash.
The officer said in the report he observed Woods "limping and stumbling" and added that the golfer told him he has had seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg.
The officer also noted in the report that Woods was "extremely alert and talkative" and had "hiccups during the entire investigation."
Woods told the officer he has a limp and that his ankle seizes while walking.
The deputy who walked Woods through a series of field sobriety tests said in the report that based on his training, "I believed that Woods' normal faculties were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle."
Woods to miss Masters
Woods had just returned to competitive golf for the first time since missing the cut at the British Open in July 2024 when he joined his team for the TGL Finals last week, an indoor league that combines simulated golf with real chipping and putting and so requires significantly less walking than traditional golf.
After the match, Woods said he was trying to get his battered body ready for the April 9-12 Masters at Augusta National.
Even if he decided against competing, Woods planned to be at Augusta National for next week's Champions Dinner but the club confirmed on Tuesday that he will not be present at all during the year's first major.
"Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being," Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement. "Although Tiger will not be joining us next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta."
