Tiger Woods has been granted a request by a Florida judge to leave the United States to enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility as he faces misdemeanour driving under the influence charges, ESPN reported, citing court records.
According to the report, Martin County Court Judge Darren Steele granted a motion to travel submitted by Woods' attorney, Douglas Duncan. The attorney cited the 50-year-old golf superstar's need for an "intensive, highly individualised and medically integrated programme" away from media and public scrutiny.
"Based upon the Defendant's treating physician, the out-of-country treatment facility recommendation is based upon the Defendant's complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised," the motion by Duncan stated, per ESPN.
"Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment."
Woods on Tuesday released a statement saying he was "stepping away for a period of time" to seek treatment "to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."
The 15-time major winner entered a plea of not guilty in a Florida court to driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a urinalysis after a rollover crash in Jupiter, Florida, last Friday.
Woods told police he was looking at his phone and changing the radio station before his Land Rover clipped a truck in front of him that he didn't see slow down. The arrest affidavit stated a breathalyser test showed no signs of alcohol, but that Woods refused a urinalysis test for other drugs.
The affidavit stated Woods was "sweating profusely," his movements were "lethargic and slow," his eyes were "bloodshot and glassy," his pupils were "extremely dilated" and that during the field sobriety exercises, Woods was "limping and stumbling to the right."
Woods denied consuming any alcohol but said he had taken "a few" prescription pills that morning. Names of the medications were redacted in the affidavit, however, another Martin County Sheriff's deputy found two hydrocodone pills in Woods' pocket.
No one was injured in the crash and Woods was released on bail later that night.
Duncan also represented Woods in May 2017 when he was arrested on a drink-driving charge in Jupiter Island and eventually pleaded guilty to reckless driving. He was given one year of probation, along with a $250 fine and 50 hours of community service.
The PGA Tour and the chairman of Augusta National offered their support for Woods in wake of the incident.
"Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course," the PGA Tour said in a statement Wednesday. "But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well- being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step."
