Tiger Woods Stepping Away From Golf After Latest Incident
Tiger Woods is stepping away from golf after he was involved in a single-car crash a few days ago. The legendary golfer had been working his way back to competition. This comes just four days after he was arrested on suspicion of DUI and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Tiger Woods provides statement
There will be no Masters appearance for Tiger Woods. His yearly exemption will go unused this time, as he is stepping away from golf. It's unclear if he would've been healthy enough. He had only played one round of TGL since Achilles surgery a year ago and back surgery several months ago. But now, his recovery won't matter.
Woods posted on social media, "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. 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."
He continued, "I'm committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."
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Masters chair offers support
Tiger Woods was aiming for a return to play at Augusta National this month. Whether or not he'd have been able to actually compete, he was scheduled to be part of the festivities as a past champion. He was also supposed to attend a Sunday ceremony for the opening of "The Patch," a new course nearby that he helped work on.
"Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being," Masters chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement. "Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta."
Woods has won five green jackets in his illustrious career. His most recent came in 2019, which was a stunning return to form after battling injuries. He last appeared in 2024, where he extended his record streak of made cuts. It is unclear when his next tournament will be, but his long-awaited return is likely to be delayed for a while now.
PGA Tour echoes sentiment
The PGA Tour is also in support of perhaps its best-ever golfer as he enters this difficult period. Woods is apparently finally looking into getting himself help, and the Tour and those involved are happy to see it.
"Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course," the PGA Tour said in a statement. "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."
Recently added CEO Brian Rolapp said, "Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known. Over the last year, I have come to deeply appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the perspective he has shared with me as I joined the golf industry. My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support."
Woods has had issues with car crashes and substance abuse before. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI in 2017. He also suffered major leg injuries from a 2021 car crash. Woods has battled substance issues for a long time. However, it does seem that he's about to try and get himself back on track and back to golf.
