Tiger Woods announces treatment following Florida arrest
Professional golfer Tiger Woods confirms plan to step away from the spotlight to focus on recovery
Tiger Woods has announced he is stepping away from professional golf to seek treatment following his arrest for driving under the influence.
The decision follows a rollover accident on Friday, near his residence in Jupiter, Florida. In an official statement, Woods acknowledged the gravity of his situation, stating: "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health."
The 50-year-old athlete emphasised that this hiatus is a necessary step to prioritise his well-being and work toward a lasting recovery.
He expressed a commitment to returning in a "healthier, stronger, and more focused place" while requesting privacy for himself and his family during this difficult transitional period.
The announcement comes shortly after Woods pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges. An affidavit released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office detailed the scene, with one deputy describing Woods as "sweating profusely" and exhibiting "lethargic" movements.
During the investigation, officers reportedly discovered two hydrocodone pills in the golfer’s pocket. While Woods denied consuming alcohol, he admitted to taking prescription medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol, alongside Vicodin and Ibuprofen.
According to the documents, Woods claimed the collision occurred because he was "looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station," causing his vehicle to swerve and clip a trailer on a road with a 30mph speed limit.
Woods has faced various physical challenges in recent years, including multiple back surgeries and a previous major car accident in 2021.
Despite these setbacks, he made a high-profile return to the Masters in 2024 and 2025, drawing massive global audiences.
His current focus on rehabilitation marks a significant pause in a career that has spanned three decades and includes fifteen major championships.
Supporters and fellow athletes have voiced their encouragement as he begins this journey toward health, though his timeline for a competitive return to the PGA Tour remains entirely uncertain at this stage.