Tiger Woods has announced he will step away from professional golf to seek treatment following his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence after a rollover crash near his Florida home. In a statement posted on X, the 50-year-old golfer said he is committed to prioritising his health and working toward lasting recovery.
Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI and demanded a jury trial after the incident on a residential road near his Jupiter Island home. According to a probable cause affidavit, Woods told deputies he was looking at his phone and changing the radio station before the crash. He also said he had taken prescription medications earlier in the day, including Vicodin, as well as medication for blood pressure and cholesterol.
Deputies reported observing several signs of impairment, including profuse sweating, sluggish movements, and bloodshot eyes. Woods struggled with field sobriety exercises, citing his history of back and leg surgeries. He was arrested at 3.12pm and later submitted to a breath test that showed no alcohol, but refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing. A search uncovered two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.
Woods was charged with misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He was held for eight hours before posting $1,150 bail. Former President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law Vanessa Trump is in a relationship with Woods, said he has spoken with the golfer and noted that Woods 'lives a life of pain' due to his injuries.
