Woods Steps Away From Golf After DUI Plea

Tiger Woods said Tuesday that he is stepping back from his professional golf schedule to pursue treatment, after entering a not guilty plea in a Florida driving under the influence (DUI) case. His announcement comes as the legal process advances and as the sport nears one of its biggest dates on the calendar, with the Masters tournament set to begin on April 9.

Officials said Woods was arrested on Friday in Jupiter, Florida, following a single-vehicle incident involving his Land Rover. Authorities said deputies who responded described Woods as impaired and documented observations they said were consistent with impairment during their on-scene response.

According to case filings described in the material, Woods’ attorney submitted a waiver of arraignment and requested a jury trial. The account said that filing indicates Woods plans to challenge the charges through Florida’s court process. Officials also said the crash involved only one vehicle and that deputies recorded their observations as part of the incident documentation.

Authorities said Woods refused a urine test. Officials said a Breathalyzer test showed zero alcohol, and the incident description said Woods told officers he had not been drinking but had taken prescription medications. Officials also reported that two hydrocodone pills were found in his possession and that information about his prescription regimen was provided to authorities.

In the incident account, Woods told officers he was distracted by his phone and radio when the crash happened. The arrest was described as his second DUI case. The material also referenced a prior incident in 2017 that was attributed to a combination of painkillers, based on the information provided.

The update also arrives amid Woods’ recent physical challenges, including serious injuries from a rollover crash in 2021. On the competitive side, the material said the announcement follows his participation in a match on March 24.

Woods did not specify how long he expects to be away from competition or provide details about the treatment beyond saying he would seek it. With the Masters beginning April 9, his statement leaves uncertainty around near-term availability while the legal case proceeds following the waiver of arraignment and the request for a jury trial.