One of the most decorated figures in golf history, 50-year-old Tiger Woods, has announced he will pause his professional career to pursue inpatient health treatment and prioritize personal wellness, just days after a car crash in Florida led to his arrest on multiple charges including driving under the influence.
The incident unfolded last Friday, when Woods clipped a parked truck before rolling his vehicle in Palm Beach County. Following the crash, law enforcement officials placed Woods under arrest, charging him not only with DUI but also with property damage stemming from the collision and refusal to complete a standardized sobriety test. A police report released earlier this week documented that officers found two hydrocodone pills, a prescription opioid commonly used to manage severe chronic pain, in Woods’ possession at the time of the crash. The report also noted that Woods displayed visible signs of impairment: he moved slowly, appeared lethargic, sweated heavily, and had extremely dilated pupils.
Through his legal team, Woods entered a formal not guilty plea to all charges on Tuesday. The golf legend broke his public silence on the incident hours later, releasing a statement on the social platform X acknowledging the gravity of his situation.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote. “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.”
Prior to last week’s crash, Woods had not ruled out competing in the upcoming Masters Tournament, scheduled to kick off next month. It is worth noting that the 15-time major champion has not played in a major championship since he missed the cut at the 2024 Open Championship, and he has only competed in a handful of events over the past several years as he recovered from a series of severe injuries.
Just last week, Woods made his return to competitive golf after more than a year on the sidelines, competing in the newly launched TGL indoor golf league. The event marked his first competition following additional back surgery and treatment for an Achilles injury.
In the wake of Woods’ announcement, the PGA Tour issued its first official public response, expressing unified support for the golf icon. “Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course,” the organization said in a statement. “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.”
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp expanded on the organization’s support in a personal comment, noting: “Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known. Over the last year, I have come to deeply appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the perspective he has shared with me as I joined the golf industry. My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support.”
Last week’s incident adds another chapter to a series of high-profile personal and physical challenges that have marked Woods’ public life over the past 15 years. In 2009, a single-car crash outside Woods’ Florida home opened the door to public allegations of multiple extramarital affairs, leading to the end of his marriage and the loss of dozens of lucrative brand sponsorship deals. In 2017, Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving after police found him unconscious in his running car near his home; a toxicology report later revealed multiple prescription medications and the active compound of marijuana were in his system, resulting in a one-year probation sentence. In 2021, Woods survived a catastrophic single-car crash that left him with life-altering, extensive leg injuries, requiring multiple surgical procedures and forcing him to drastically cut back on his competitive schedule.
Woods currently holds the second-most major championship wins in professional golf history, with 15 titles. Only Jack Nicklaus, who won 18 majors over his career, sits ahead of him on the all-time list.