Tiger Woods to ‘seek treatment’ after pleading not guilty to DUI charge
By Press Association Sport Reporters
Tiger Woods intends to “seek treatment and focus on my health” after pleading not guilty to charges stemming from his car crash in Florida last week.
Woods was arrested and spent eight hours in jail on Friday before being bailed, having been charged with driving under the influence after his Land Rover rolled over in a collision with a pick-up truck towing a trailer he was attempting to overtake.
Martin County court documents showed Woods formally skipped the initial court appearance on Tuesday but entered a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers and demanded a jury trial.
Commenting publicly for the first time since the incident, Woods wrote on X on Tuesday night: “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today.
“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.
“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.”
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) March 31, 2026
According to a police affidavit released earlier, Woods was observed by the investigating officers to be “sweating profusely” while acting “lethargic and slow” with eyes that were “bloodshot and glassy”.
He admitted he “was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station” in the moments before the crash and “did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down”.
Woods returned to competitive action for the first time in more than a year on the final night of play in the indoor TGL competition last Tuesday and said afterwards he hoped he would be fit enough to play at the Masters from April 9-12.
But in a message posted on X, Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley appeared to confirm the five-time champion was not in the field.
He said: “Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being.
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 1, 2026
“Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
A statement from the PGA Tour said Woods had its “full support as he takes this important step”.
“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course,” the statement said. “But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well‑being.”
The 50-year-old, a 15-time major winner, walked away unhurt and while he passed a breathalyser test for alcohol, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said he refused to submit to a urinary test for drugs.
Woods told the authorities he had not consumed any alcohol but admitted he takes “a few” prescription medications and had done so earlier in the morning while insisting he had not had any illegal drugs.
Woods, who was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, was observed to be “extremely alert and talkative” and had “hiccups during the entire investigation”.
Multiple sobriety exercises were conducted, where he struggled to follow instructions, leading a deputy to conclude: “How he performed on the exercises and based on my training, knowledge and experience, I believe Woods’ normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle”.
During a search of his vehicle, investigators found two white pills, which were identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain.
The driver of the other vehicle, who had been slowing to turn into a driveway off the two-lane road, was also uninjured.
Woods underwent emergency surgery after suffering multiple leg injuries following a serious car accident in California in February 2021.
The affidavit stated Woods said he had 20 surgeries on his leg as a result of that crash, plus seven operations on his back, while the report also noted Woods was “limping and stumbling”.
Woods was also arrested on suspicion of DUI offences in 2017 after being found asleep at the wheel of his car in Jupiter, Florida. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving after it emerged he had had five prescription drugs in his system at the time.
In 2009 he crashed his car into a fire hydrant and tree outside his home in an incident that led to a spectacular unravelling of his private life.
