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 crash near his Florida home. In a statement posted on X, the 50-year-old golfer said he understands the seriousness of the situation and is prioritising his health and 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 court records released on Tuesday. A probable cause affidavit stated that Woods told deputies he was looking at his phone and changing the radio station before the crash.
The golf star was arrested on Friday afternoon after his Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side. Deputies observed signs of impairment, including profuse sweating, sluggish movement, and bloodshot eyes. Woods told investigators he had taken prescription medications, including Vicodin, but had not consumed alcohol.
Woods failed field sobriety tests and was arrested at 3.12pm. A search uncovered two hydrocodone pills in his pocket. He refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing, leading to an additional charge of refusal to submit to testing. He was held for eight hours before posting $1,150 bail.
Former US President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law Vanessa Trump is in a relationship with Woods, said he had spoken to the golfer, noting that Woods lives with significant pain from his injury history but is doing well.
