Updated March 31, 2026 — Tiger Woods announced he is stepping away to seek treatment after pleading not guilty to charges stemming from a rollover crash in Jupiter, Florida.
In an Instagram statement, Woods said he understands the seriousness of the situation and is ‘stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.’ He added he is committed to returning ‘in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place’ and asked for privacy for his family and himself.
Woods, 50, was arrested after his Land Rover was involved in a crash last Friday. Deputies at the scene reported he appeared impaired while answering questions and attempting roadside sobriety tests. He took a Breathalyzer and, according to the report, ‘blew triple zeroes,’ but he refused a urine test.
Authorities found two pills later identified as the painkiller hydrocodone in the pocket of Woods’ pants. A deputy recalled Woods saying he had not consumed alcohol that day but had taken ‘a few’ prescription medications. Details about his regular prescriptions were shared with officers but redacted from the affidavit.
According to the police report, Woods told officers he had been looking down at his cellphone and changing the radio when the pickup truck ahead of him, which was towing a trailer, slowed to turn into a driveway. He said he did not notice the slowdown and swerved into the middle of the road.
On Tuesday, Woods pleaded not guilty and waived arraignment, with his attorney Douglas Duncan filing a waiver indicating Woods is demanding a jury trial. He also waived appearances at all pretrial hearings.
Woods’ decision to step away comes nearly a week before the Masters, which begins April 9. His participation in the tournament had been uncertain prior to the arrest. He had recently played a match at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on March 24.
The incident follows past legal and medical events in Woods’ life. He was arrested on a DUI charge in 2017 after being found asleep behind the wheel and later said he had taken a problematic mix of painkillers. In 2021, he suffered serious injuries in a Los Angeles rollover crash. In 2025, Woods underwent his seventh back surgery and also ruptured his Achilles tendon in March of that year.
Emily Mae Czachor contributed to this report.