Tiger Woods announces he's stepping away to seek treatment following DUI arrest

Jocelyn Fiset

The Hill

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01.04.2026

Tiger Woods announces he’s stepping away to seek treatment following DUI arrest

(KTLA) — Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he’s stepping away from the spotlight “for a period of time” to seek treatment and focus on his health following his DUI arrest last week.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he said in a statement posted to social platform X. “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,” he continued. “I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

The golf legend was taken into custody in Martin County, Fla., after he failed sobriety tests following a rollover crash March 27.

Officers who arrived at the scene said Woods told them “he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station when he didn’t notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down.” He then crashed into the vehicle, causing his black Land Rover to flip over onto the driver’s side.

The latest mug shot of Tiger Woods released on March 27, 2026 following a suspected DUI crash in Florida. (Image courtesy Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

Two white pills were reportedly found on him during his arrest and his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy,” according to an affidavit from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.

Officers reportedly observed the golf star was “limping and stumbling to the right,” and appeared to have a “leg injury and a compression sock over his right knee.”

During the sobriety tests, he made multiple errors, such as having to be reminded of instructions, not returning his hand to his side and not counting steps correctly.

From there, based on the officer’s “observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises” and on the officer’s training, it was determined that the golfer’s “normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle.”

Woods agreed to a breathalyzer and showed no signs of alcohol intoxication, but after refusing a urinalysis he was booked at the Martin County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.

He was charged with two misdemeanors: DUI resulting in property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

Due to the nature of the crash, he was transported to the Cleveland Clinic ER South but refused all medical treatment. Once discharged, he was transported back to jail. He spent eight hours there before being released on bond.

Woods, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon a year ago, underwent his seventh back surgery in October 2025.

There had been speculation for weeks about whether or not he would be healthy enough to compete in Augusta this year, a decision he was still mulling.

The PGA Tour released the following statement Tuesday: “Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. 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.”

Christine Samra and Jeremy Tanner contributed to this report.

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Tiger Woods announces he's stepping away to seek treatment following DUI arrest

Jocelyn Fiset

© The Hill